How to Grow an Avocado Plant From Seeds
Avocados are a species of flowering trees native to South and Central America. The trees can grow up to 60 feet in the proper conditions, but typically reach 20 feet in a yard or 6 feet in a planter. Avocado plants are grown primarily for the avocado berry. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, usually pale green or yellow. Avocado plants require special care when started from seeds, but require minimal maintenance once established. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Insert four toothpicks into each side of the avocado seed about halfway down. Fill a small mason jar with water, and rest the toothpicks on the rim of the jar so that the flat side of the seed is submerged in the water.
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Place the jar on a windowsill that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Add water as necessary to keep the bottom of the seed submerged. Roots and a stem begin to emerge from the seed after several weeks.
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3
Remove the seed from the jar and remove the toothpicks. Fill a planter with potting soil and plant the sprouting avocado seed so the pointed tip of the seed is about 1 inch above the soil line.
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Move the planter to a location that receives four to six hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day. Water the plant twice per week, enough to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
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Fertilize the avocado plant once every three months using a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer. Follow the manufacturer's directions for proper application and dosage. Do not allow any fertilizer to come in direct contact with the plant, because the nitrogen could burn it.
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Transplant the avocado plant outside or to a larger container after it has outgrown its initial planter. Remove the plant from the pot. Plant in a hole at least twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth. Water thoroughly after planting to compact the soil around the roots.
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Tips & Warnings
The foliage will begin to wither and die if the avocado plant is not receiving enough water. Occasionally, mist the avocado plant with water from a spray bottle.
