Question: I was wondering if anyone knows on how too start an Avocado Tree from a seed. Please Help
Hardiness Zone: 9b
Tam from Safford, AZ
Answer: Tam,
Avocado pits can be germinated in either soil or water. Pits germinated in soil are said to be hardier in the long run. Personally, I think it's more fun to watch them sprout in water.
Starting them in soil: Soak the pit in water for 24 hours prior to planting. Place the pit (broad end down) into a pot filled with a moist, soil-less mix. Bury the pit so it's about 1/2 inch below the surface of the soil and set the pot in a warm place. Keep the soil moist, but not wet. To keep the pot humid and to conserve moisture, you may want to cover it with plastic wrap. This isn't necessary, and if you do it, make sure you keep your eye out for signs of mold or rotting.
Starting them in water: Insert three toothpicks into the bottom 1/3 of the pit to create a tripod that will support the pit when suspended over a jar filled with water. Rest the pit over the mouth of the jar so that the base of the pit is submerged in 1/2 inch of water. Add fresh water daily to maintain the level of the water. Eventually, the pit will crack and roots will appear, followed by one or more stems. If multiple stems emerge, leave them all intact.
Transplanting seedlings: After the stem(s) grows to 6 inches, cut it back to 3 inches to encourage bushy growth. At this point, you'll need to transplant the seedling into soil within a few weeks of cutting it back. If you germinated the pit in water, don't worry about removing the toothpicks-just cut them off with a scissors before planting. When transplanting, be very careful to avoid injuring the new roots. Use a large pot filled with a light, sandy soil.
Once transplanted, place your avocado seedling in a warm, bright location, out of direct sunlight. Keep the air around it humid by misting it frequently (especially in the winter), but let it dry out slightly between each watering. Let your new transplant settle in for several months before giving it any fertilizer. It will be getting plenty of nutrients in the new soil. As your avocado grows, you may find it needs some staking or support. You can keep growth in check by pinching and pruning back as necessary.
Good Luck!
Ellen
About The Author: Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
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RE: Starting an Avocado From a Seed
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Post By N.Swain from NH (Guest Post)
(01/26/2008)
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I have not started my avocado yet, but I am excited to start it. I have been recently getting deeply into horticulture, and am currently growing 15 giant sequoia seedlings, a miracle fruit tree seedling, either some dill or anise flowers, some plant that I honestly do not remember planting and have no clue what it is. I am waiting for edelweiss flower seeds, a kona coffee seed, and a mango pit to sprout. The avocado is my next project.
My tiny home has been invaded by plants and I am running out of room to put the pots. I have a few questions before I start, though. Will the avocado tree produce fruit at only one or two feet tall? If so, how long will it take for fruit to develop? Do you think an avocado will even live in a mostly dark house with little sun access in northern New Hampshire in the middle of the winter?
Thanks, N
RE: Starting an Avocado From a Seed
I just potted a sprouted avocado seed today - I watched it grow in water on my kitchen window; I hope it grows into a pretty tree - I have a 5 foot poinsetta that I have enjoyed watching grow.
RE: Starting an Avocado From a Seed
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Post By Glenda (Guest Post)
(08/11/2006)
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My Mom does it all the time. In fact one tree is full size now and giving avocados.
She used the same technique as Catherine from Wichita Falls.
Way to go Catherine!!
RE: Starting an Avocado From a Seed
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Post By Guaco (Guest Post)
(08/05/2006)
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I have avocado trees. As I recall, they take five years to sprout fruit.
RE: Starting an Avocado From a Seed
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Post By Gepe (Guest Post)
(08/04/2006)
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I'm not sure if this is correct but,I was told you can start an avocado plant from a seed, but it won't produce any fruit.It will grow and be green thats about it.I live in Az. too and I also think it's too hot here to grow them, this is why you see that they come from Calif.
I would contact a plant nursery to double ck. Hope this is of help :)
RE: Starting an Avocado From a Seed
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Post By Catherine from Wichita Falls (Guest Post)
(08/04/2006)
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This is how my Grandmother taught me. Take the avocado seed after you have eaten the delightful fruit around it, and push 3 or 4 toothpicks into the seed around the sides of the avocado to form a type of "balancing tripod". Then fill a glass wtih water. Set the avocado gently on top of the glass, so that the toothpicks hold it up, but so that the bottom of the seed is touching or slightly submersed by the water. Make sure that you periodically refill the glass so that the seed is touching the water. the thing is that you don't want the seed to be UNDERWATER. After a week or so, you will see that the seed is beginning to crack open at the top. DON'T PANIC. This is supposed to happen. a day or two ater this happens you will begin to be able to see the shoot emeging from the center of the seed. Once the seed has the shoot on it and the shoot is straight and tall--about 4 to 6 inches tall--it is ready to plant in a pot. Put it into a medium sized pot, barely covering the seed with soil. And there you have it.
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