Growing an avocado from seed is the slowest and least reliable way to get fruit. It can take from 3 to 13 years before the tree actually gives true fruit. So if you decide to grow an avocado you will need to be patient.
Avocados are a great source of vitamins. They contain nearly 20 vitamins and minerals – C, E, K, and B-6, as well as folate, potassium, magnesium, and many more. Being filled with folate, avocados are one of the great cancer fighting foods. Also, an avocado a day is good for your heart health!
What will you need?
- Avocado
- 3 toothpicks
- Large glass/jar
- Water
Later:
- Pot
- Humus soil
- Pebbles
How to plant an avocado seed
1.Remove and clean pit
Start by removing a pit from the avocado carefully, without cutting it. Wash it clean of all the avocado fruit but be careful not to remove the brown skin on the pit.
2.Pierce with toothpicks
Avocado pits have a top and a bottom. To get your pit to sprout you’ll need to submerge the bottom end in water, while top should stay above water. The slightly pointier end is the top, and the flat end is the bottom.
At a slight downward angle, pierce three toothpicks around the pit, spaced evenly. This will allow the bottom half of the pit to rest in water.
3.Place avocado seed in a jar or glass filled with water
Fill the glass/jar almost to the top with water and place avocado seed in it. Use a transparent glass so you can easily see the progress and when water needs to be changed.
Put a glass on a warm place, out of direct sunlight.
4.Wait
Sprouting can take from two to six weeks. If your seed doesn’t sprout by eight weeks, start over with another pit.
When the stem is about 6 inches long, cut it back 3 inches. This will encourage new growth.
5.Plant
When the stem has leaves again, plant it in a rich humus soil leaving the seed half exposed. Put pebbles at the bottom of the flower planter to allow drainage. Water it frequently, with an occasional deep soak. Avocados like sunlight and warmth. If the temperature goes below 60 F, move it to a warmer place.
If you plan to plant it in a garden, plant it in a spot protected from wind and frost. The avocado is a shallow-rooted tree. Dig a hole as wide and deep as the root is.
6.Watering
Avocado trees need to be watered 2-3 times a week. When watering, soak the soil well. Before watering check the soil to make sure it has drained.
When will avocado trees grow fruit?
As said before, this can take anywhere between 3 to 13 years. Flowers of avocado trees have both male and female parts, but both of these parts are not accessible at all times for pollination. Because of this it is recommended to have more avocado trees growing together.
Growing an avocado tree from seed is a long process and not always successful. Apart from fruit, the best reward is seeing your tree grow while you’re caring for it. Good luck!