It might be a little tricky and requires so much time and effort, but you certainly can grow avocados at home! It is entirely possible to sprout these pear-shaped green fruit in the garden in your backyard with constant love and dedication. An avocado tree is a warm-season plant and can easily be damaged by the cold temperature. However, there are different things you could do to help you successfully grow a healthy avocado tree that bears delicious and rich fruits. The following are some fun and easy ways to grow an avocado tree at home.
FINDING THE PERFECT VARIETY OF AVOCADO
There are more than 50 varieties of avocado known in today’s time. There are varieties of avocado trees that can grow over 80 feet, and these varieties over 20 feet are hard to grow at home. The dwarf varieties of avocado trees are ideal for indoor planting. These dwarf varieties include Wurtz, Holiday, Gwen, Lamb Hass, Little Cado, and Reed.
HOW TO GROW AVOCADOES AT HOME
You can grow avocadoes in two ways: from your avocado pit or a grafted dwarf tree in nursery stock. Growing an avocado tree from a grafted dwarf tree tends to be more successful than developing it from an avocado pit. Since these dwarf trees from nursery stocks are cloned from mature avocado trees, they mature faster, unlike from avocado pits that will take years to develop fully. You can visit All Green for more fruitful information about nursery.
GROWING AN AVOCADO TREE FROM A SEED
It is easier to grow an avocado tree from a seed, unlike most people imagine. To sprout an avocado from the pit, you must first take out the avocado seed from the ripe avocado fruit. Rinse off thoroughly the excess flesh from the avocado pit. Now, prepare three toothpicks. Push these three toothpicks inside the avocado’s seed, and then let it suspend on top of a warm glass of water. Remember to always place the broad end of the avocado seed at the bottom and expose the top part to the air. You must submerge an inch of the avocado seed into the water. Put the glass in a bright and warm spot that is at least 18 degrees Celsius. However, avoid putting it in direct sunlight. It is essential to change the water inside the glass frequently. Soon, about six weeks later, you will notice that the seed is starting to grow some roots. Eventually, stem shoots will emerge from the pit. Wait for the stem to grow about six to seven inches long while you regularly change the water. Cut the stem until it is three inches long and wait for the leaves to sprout. Once the roots are dense and fill the glass, and the leaves start to look healthy, it is time to transfer it into a pot. Your pot must be over 10 inches in diameter with holes for drainage. Good drainage must be essential in growing an avocado tree because the root systems of avocadoes are very shallow. If they get saturated for several days, they die.
A sandy potting soil that is fertile, loose, and well-drained is an ideal soil to use. Loosely fill the pot with potting mix almost to the top. Make a deep hole for the roots of the avocado seedling. Spread the soil evenly and leave the top of the pit over the soil line. Water your plant gently.
GROWING AVOCADO FROM A GRAFTED TREE
It is easier to grow an avocado from a grafted tree from a nursery stock than from a seed. But, these trees require special conditions to thrive and bear fruits.
Once the grafted trees arrive, you should plant them right away. The bigger the pot, the bigger the chance of growing the plant right away. The container you plant your tree must also have good drainage for your tree to thrive. Use potting soil to plant your tree. Do not submerge the trunk deeper than the flaring-out trunk at the base. Put your pot somewhere that can receive direct sunlight.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR AVOCADO PLANT
Avocado trees thrive better in a warm environment. They are perfect in places 15 to 26 degrees Celsius. They like being under full sun and supplemental lights during cold seasons. Remember that overwatering avocado trees will most likely kill them. Do not overdo watering the trees because they cannot handle it. Check if the moisture of the soil before you water them again. Yellow avocado leaves are a sign that you overwater them. It is also okay to prune and stake your avocado trees. When they’re over 12 inches long, trim the tips and the leaves at the top of the seedling. It will help them grow laterally. For fertilizing, remember that 10% phosphorus, 10% potash, 10% nitrogen, and 6% magnesium will help them thrive.