Planting an avocado at home is one of those projects that excites you. Germinate the seed, seeing the root emerge and then the first leaves, is quite an experience. Of course, if the goal is to produce fruit, it will be necessary patience and follow some key guidelines in flower pot or in the garden.
Correct germination in water: key to a good start
After eating the avocado, carefully clean the pit and let it dry for a few hours. Identify its parts: the area pointed is the upper one (from where the sprout will come out) and the flatter It is the lower one (where it will produce roots). Insert 3-4 toothpicks halfway up to hold the seed over a glass of water, so that only the lower half remains submerged.
Keep the container in a bright place, avoiding cold drafts. Change the water regularly to prevent rot: you can do this. every 2-3 days or, at least, once a week. In some 2 to 6 weeks Roots usually appear; then the seed cracks and the stem sprouts.
When the stem reaches about 15 cm you can apply a useful technique: cut it in half to stimulate a more vigorous root system; it will sprout again with more strength. When the roots are visible thick and abundant and the stem shows new leaves, the seedling will be ready to be moved to a pot.
Planting an avocado pit in soil (pot)
If you prefer to start in the ground, use a pot at first. 17 to 25 cm in diameter, better than terracotta to facilitate moisture exchange. Bury the bone leaving the top part is visible. Keep the substrate slightly moist, without flooding. bright and warm space will speed up the process.
A practical option for beginners is to use a germination kit which keeps the seed stable in water, but is not essential: with good hygiene and sufficient water changes, a similar result is achieved.
Pot size and transplants
In areas where the night temperature can drop to 10 ° C, it is advisable to start in a pot manageable to be able to move the plant indoors. You can start in 5 liters, it will happen 30 liters when the root ball occupies the container and, if you are not going to move it, install it in 60 liters or moreIn warm climates, you can opt for a large, stable pot.
Perform the transplant when you observe roots sticking out through the holes or when growth stagnates. Avoid excessive manipulation of the roots: the avocado has a root system shallow and sensitive to damage.
Ideal substrate and pH
Prefers a substrate light, airy and well-draining, with pH between 5 and 7An effective mixture of equal parts is peat + coconut fiber + earthworm humus, adding perlite to improve aeration. This combination minimizes the risk of ponding, one of the biggest enemies of potted avocados.
Avoid saline or compacted soils. If your irrigation water is hard, alternate with distilled or rainwater so as not to raise the pH excessively.
Basic care for growing avocados in pots
During the early stages it is especially sensitive. Avoid temperatures below 10 ºC y peaks above 30 ºCIf it's cold, move it inside with a bright window or protect it outdoors with thermal blanketsIn heat waves, use shade mesh to take care of the new leaves.
The pot must have several drainage holesIf there is a lack of water, you will see brown leaf tips; if you overdo it, yellowing and falling off. To acclimatize it to the outdoors, increase it gradually gradual the dose of sun; exposing it suddenly can cause burns.
In the garden, choose a place sheltered from the wind. Being shallow-rooted, it does not like frequent transplanting or disturbed soil; it respects its environment and applies a bark covering thick to retain moisture.
Fertilization
In the seasons of greatest vegetative activity it is advisable to provide gentle nutrients. A layer of earthworm humus On the surface it works as a slow-release fertilizer. You can also supplement with homemade fertilizers or liquid organic extracts in moderate doses, monitoring the plant's response.
Avoid heavy fertilization during the heat or when the plant is stressed. Prioritize balance: sustained growth and healthy shoots over a rapid push.
First pruning and training
When the seedling reaches around 60 cm, It is advisable blunt to encourage lateral branching and prevent excessively vertical growth that would complicate future harvesting. After cutting, the tree will take some time to to sprout again and consolidate a more balanced structure.
Usa tutors If the stem is very tender, correct the orientation of the young branches with small guides to open the canopy early.
Irrigation: how to always get it right
Insert a finger 2-3 cm In the substrate: if it is dry, water; if it still retains moisture, wait. In a pot, water in depth and let it drain completely. Empty the saucer, if using, to avoid root asphyxiation. In warm climates you will need more frequently; in cool places, less.
Driving signs: brown tips due to lack of water or excess of salts; Yellow sheets and fall due to overwatering. Adjust based on these indicators.
Indoor, outdoor and garden cultivation
In cold climates, you can take the plant outside. patio or terrace when the risk of frost has passed and always with sun acclimatizationIf at night the minimum temperatures drop below 10 ° C, bring it back in. In the garden, transplant when the plant is about 20 cm and the weather is mild, choosing a sheltered location.
The ideal temperature for its development is around 15-29 ºC. It can tolerate slightly lower or higher tips, but avoids them becoming constants. Provides bark mulch to retain moisture and water regularly during the first year.
When can I eat my first avocados?
If the tree is grafted, can start producing around 3-5 years. When grown from seed, the period is usually longer: approximately 5 to 13 years, and in cold climates it may not bear fruit. Even if it doesn't produce avocados, you'll still enjoy a plant. ornamental vigorous and of great educational value.
Photos: www.garden.eco
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Planting avocado in a pot or in a garden is not complicated if you take care of the substratum’s most emblematic landmarks, the sewer system’s most emblematic landmarks, the irrigation and climate protectionWith careful germination, timely transplants, and gentle fertilization, your avocado tree will grow healthily. Was this helpful? Share your experience and help more people grow their own tree.