Most folks try their hand at some point in growing plants from seeds of fruit that they have at home, with some successes and failures.
But what about avocados? Is it possible to grow an avocado from it’s seed?
Growing an avocado seed is easy, if you take a few simple steps, but it can take anywhere from 6 weeks up to 12 months before you see the first growth.
The best way to grow an avocado seed is by wrapping the seed in some absorbent tissue or towel, place it into a plastic bag and then put somewhere warm and dark such as an airing cupboard. Check regularly for signs of germination. Plant in a pot of good quality compost. Your avocado plant will need care for the next few months to help it to grow into a healthy mature individual.
Can an avocado plant grown from seed produce avocados?
It is highly unlikely that you will get avocados from your plant as many commercially produced growers plants are often grafted onto other rootstocks to enable faster fruit production.
If your plant does eventually produce avocados then it will probably be many years before you are able to harvest any usable, good quality fruits.
- Hass Avocado seedling, shipped in pot with soil.
- Sunlight exposure: Full Sun
- Seasons: Spring
How long does it take an avocado seed to sprout?
It can take 6 weeks to 12 weeks for avocado seeds to sprout, but it really depends on the type of seed.
Germination of avocados can be a lengthy process that can depend on a wide range of factors such as seed type and the local environmental conditions.
Will a cracked avocado seed grow?
If you wrap your avocado seed in a damp cloth and place this in a warm, dark place, then eventually your seed should crack as it begins to germinate.
As the crack extends around the seed, a tap root will begin to emerge, this will gradually become longer, thicker and stronger.
If you then place the cracked avocado seed into the pot of compost carefully, with the root facing down, and keep watered, then your avocado should begin to grow.
Cracked avocado seeds are only likely to grow with success if they have not been damaged by pests or disease and if they are not old or dried out.
Can I grow avocados from a store bought avocado?
For most people their source of avocado seeds will be from the fruit that they buy at the local store.
It is possible to grow avocado plants from store purchased fruits.
Remove the pip carefully and clean away any flesh and other debris then simply follow the steps:
- Wrap the pip in a piece of tissue or soft cloth
- Dampen the cloth/tissue and place inside a plastic bag
- Seal the bag and place in a warm, dark place
- Check the bag once a week
- You will eventually see the seed crack open and a root will begin to appear
- Keep the paper/cloth moist until the root is 3 to 4 inches long when it can be removed
- Plant the seed in a pot of compost
Can I grow an avocado indoors?
It is possible to grow an avocado indoors, and the most common reason for growing an avocado tree indoors, especially during the winter months is because of their beautiful glossy leaves.
To keep your tree healthy you will need to provide a sunny position that is free from draughts and moisture.
Make sure that you mist the leaves regularly when the weather is warm to help to keep the leaves healthy.
Water occasionally, but do not keep the compost or soil too wet as this will cause root rot to occur.
How much space does an avocado tree need?
If you are growing your avocado plant indoors then then amount of space needed will depend on the size of pot that you have chosen.
Choose a good quality large container for best growth.
If you are planting your avocado outside into the ground make sure that there is enough space for your tree to grow as it can reach up to 10 metres in height if left untrained.
How long will it take my Avocado tree to bear fruit?
It normally takes around three years for an avocado tree planted outdoors to bear fruit and around four years for an avocado tree planted indoors.
You should bear in mind that many fruit trees grown from seeds do not grow ‘true to form’ ( ie. like the parent plant) and often do not produce fruit.
For reliable and regular fruit production you should buy a commercially grown plant.
Can you plant an avocado seed in dirt?
Yes, you can but the chances of germination are reduced and there is a risk that the seed could rot.
It is best to germinate the seed first with the damp tissue/cloth method described above and then plant the germinated seed into soil.
What is the best soil for avocado trees?
Generally speaking, the ideal soil for growing avocado trees is rich in nutrients but well drained and slightly acidic.
Do not use heavy or wet soils that are likely to cause root rot to occur.
If you have sandy or light clay soils it would be best to add organic compost before planting your seeds.
A good quality potting compost will contain all of the essential nutrients plus it will be good for drainage.
Do avocados need sunlight?
Avocado trees need lots of sunlight and thrive in direct sunshine.
They will tolerate some shade but the more sun that you can provide, the better for this plant.
If you are growing an avocado in a pot then make sure that it gets as much sunshine as possible, on a sunny window sill for example.
In the summer you can stand your plant outside in a sunny, sheltered and draught free spot for best results.
Can an avocado plant survive the winter?
Unless you live in a tropical or sub tropical region then your avocado will struggle to survive the winter months.
The most important factor to maintaining a healthy plant is warmth, frost and cold winds will quickly kill an avocado.
If you live in a cooler climate then it is possible to grow avocados indoors year round if grown in good quality potting compost.
A good solution is to grow one or two avocado trees in your garden during the summer months and then bring them indoors for the winter.
Conclusion
It’s quite easy to grow an avocado from seed if you follow the steps above.
You will need time and patience as it can be some time before you see germination and you will need to make sure that you keep the seed warm and damp during the process.
Avocados grown from seed do not often fruit, but you may be lucky and, if you keep your plant healthy then who knows?
In a few years you may be able to harvest your own avocados.
