Avocado is becoming increasingly popular both in the kitchen and in gardens and orchards. If you are a fan of this fruit and want to grow it at home, you have several options, but one of the quickest and easiest is to do it through cuttings. Although the process may seem complicated at first, with a few simple steps you can enjoy your own avocado tree.
Instead of waiting years to get a tree from a seedAs is often the case, planting an avocado from a cutting significantly speeds up the cultivation process. This method is not only faster, but also more effective for those who want to harvest their fruits as soon as possible.
Preparing the avocado cutting
The first thing you need to do is select the right branch. It should be a semi-mature branch that measures between 15 and 30 cm long and preferably has between four and five leaves. Choose a section that is healthy, without pests or diseases.
Once identified, cut the branch with sharp, clean scissors. After this, remove the bark from the base of the stem, that is, the first two centimeters of the branch. This step is essential to encourage rooting.
An interesting trick to improve the rooting process is to rub the base of the cutting with an onion, which will help nourish the future avocado tree.
rooting method
Once you have prepared the cutting, we will put the stem in a small plastic bottle with water. Make a hole in the lid of the bottle, so that the branch goes through the lid and is submerged in the water.
It is essential to cover the top of the bottle with a plastic bag, securing it well at the base. This microclimate that we create with the bag will help the growth of new leaves and roots.
After about seven days, you will notice that the cutting will start to develop roots. It is important to change the water in the bottle every week to prevent the roots from rotting. Let the cutting grow in water for approximately 45 days.
Transplanting the cutting
After this time, when the roots are long and strong enough, it is time to transplanting the avocado cutting into a pot or directly into the ground. Choose a fertile and well-drained soil, make a hole about 2,5 cm deep and place the cutting.
Remember to water the cutting immediately after transplanting. and place it in a place where it receives sufficient sunlight. It is important that the plant does not lose moisture during this process, since the new roots are still very delicate.
Avocado Care
Once planted, the avocado will begin to root over the next 4 to 6 weeksDuring this time, you should keep the soil moist, without flooding it. It is also advisable to spray water on the leaves if you notice that they are starting to wilt.
Over time, the plant will grow and become stronger. Remember that it needs sunlight and good fertilizer to develop properly. In addition, you must be consistent with watering, especially during the warmer seasons.
Using cuttings for avocado propagation is ideal for those looking to speed up the fruit-bearing process. While an avocado planted from seed can take years to bear fruit, by propagating from cuttings, you will get your plant to the harvest stage much sooner.