How to Grow Growing Avocado From Seed - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Growing avocado from seed is a fun and easy way to get started in the avocado growing game. With just a few supplies and some patience, you can have an avocado tree of your own in no time. All you need is an avocado seed, some potting soil, a container, and some water. With a little love and care, you'll be on your way to harvesting your own avocados in no time.

How to Grow Growing Avocado From Seed - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Alligator Pear
  • Avocado Pear
  • Butter fruit
  • Cabbage Palm
  • Guacamole fruit

Common Knowledge

  • It is possible to grow avocado from seed, though it takes patience and effort.
  • The first step is to remove the pit from an avocado.
  • Next, the pit needs to be split open so that the embryo inside is exposed.
  • Then, the embryo needs to be placed in a cup of water with the pointy end facing up.
  • The cup should be placed in a warm, sunny spot and the water should be changed daily.
  • In a few weeks, the embryo will sprout and roots will begin to grow.
  • Once the roots are a few inches long, the avocado plant can be transferred to a pot.
  • The pot should be filled with well-draining soil and the plant should be kept in a warm, sunny spot.
  • Avocado plants need to be watered regularly, but the soil should not be soggy.
  • It can take several years for an avocado plant to produce fruit.

Related plant:
Growing Azaleas

Planting Process

  1. For growing avocado from seed, first step is to wash the avocado seed.
  2. Cut the avocado in half to remove the pit.
  3. Use a sharp knife to remove any remaining fruit from the pit.
  4. Rinse the pit under running water to remove any remaining avocado residue.
  5. Fill a glass or jar with water and place the pit in the water.
  6. Put the glass or jar in a warm spot, out of direct sunlight.
  7. Wait for the pit to sprout. This can take anywhere from two to six weeks.
  8. Once the pit has sprouted, remove it from the water and plant it in a pot filled with well-draining potting mix.
  9. Water the potting mix until it is moist.
  10. Put the pot in a bright spot, out of direct sunlight.

The Soil

About soil condition, it is best to use rich, moist soil when growing avocado from seed. The soil should be well-drained so that the roots do not become waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. If the soil is too sandy, consider adding some organic matter to help retain moisture.

Light condition

Not too different with other fruit trees, avocado trees need sunlight to produce fruits. If you live in a warm climate with long, sunny days, you can grow an avocado tree from seed outdoors. If you live in a colder climate, you'll need to grow your tree indoors under artificial light. Place your tree near a south-facing window so it gets at least six hours of sunlight each day.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature at which an avocado tree will grow best depends on the variety of avocado. Most avocados will do well in temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with some varieties being able to tolerate slightly cooler or warmer temperatures. When growing avocado from seed, it is important to keep the seedling in an environment that is not too hot or too cold, as this can cause the seedling to die.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 50% to 70%. If the air is too dry, the leaves will drop and the plant will eventually die. If the air is too humid, the leaves will turn yellow and brown and the plant will also die.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, usually the plant only needs a light application of a balanced fertilizer once a month. Over-fertilizing can burn the roots and stop the growth of the plant. For the roots, they should be kept moist but not waterlogged.

About light

Pruning an avocado plant helps to encourage growth and keeps the plant looking its best. Pruning also helps to remove any dead or dying leaves and branches. When pruning an avocado plant, be sure to remove any diseased or damaged leaves and branches first. Then, trim back any excess growth. Always prune avocado plants in the early morning hours while the plant is still dry.

The Propagation

Propagation is the process of growing a new plant from an existing one. The most common method of propagation for avocados is by seed. To propagate an avocado plant from a seed, start by planting the seed in a pot of moist, well-draining soil. Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot and water it regularly. When the seed germinates and the plant starts to grow, you can transplant it into a larger pot or into the ground.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate generally takes between three and six months. However, some factors such as light and temperature can affect the rate of growth. For example, if the temperature is too cold, the seed may not germinate at all. If the temperature is too hot, the seed may germinate too quickly and the resulting plant may be weak and spindly. The amount of light also affects the rate of growth. Seed that are kept in too much light may grow too quickly and be leggy, while those kept in too little light may grow slowly and be stunted.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the seed may not germinate, or it may germinate but then the plant dies. If the seed does germinate, it is very slow growing and may not produce fruit for many years. The best way to avoid these problems is to purchase a plant from a nursery that specializes in avocado trees.

List to Know

  • Do not forget to water your avocado plant. Irregular watering is one of the main reasons why avocado plants do not thrive.
  • Fertilize your avocado plant regularly. Avocado plants are heavy feeders and need to be fertilized every few weeks.
  • Prune your avocado plant regularly. Avocado plants need to be pruned every few months to encourage new growth.
  • Place your avocado plant in a sunny location. Avocado plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight every day.
  • Do not over-water your avocado plant. Avocado plants are susceptible to root rot if they are overwatered.
  • Do not under-water your avocado plant. Avocado plants will also suffer if they are underwatered.
  • Do not let your avocado plant dry out. Avocado plants are susceptible to drought stress if they are not watered regularly.
  • Do not let your avocado plant get too wet.

You May Like

  • Growing An Avocado Tree From Seed | LoveTheGarden
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  • How to Grow an Avocado Tree – dummies
  • Growing Avocados from Seeds | ThriftyFun
  • Can I Grow Avocado Trees From Seeds? | Hunker
  • How to Grow Avocados from Seeds | Gardener's Supply
  • How to Grow an Avocado Tree from Seed | Garden Season Now
  • Plant Avocados From Seed - My Tips

Source:
Avocado | Growing avocado from seed - plantvillage.psu.edu
1304 – Avocado – PlantTalk Colorado
Avocado - The California Backyard Orchard - ucanr.edu

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