Tip of the Week
Propagating an avocado tree

This exotic beauty is free.

The seed should be sown when as fresh as possible.

It does not retain the ability to germinate for very long.

Sow with the pointed end up.

Put in pot with light, porous soil with one third above the soil.

Keep soil moist but do not over water.

You can also stick three toothpicks carefully in the seed and hang over a glass of water.

The water should just about reach the seed you must always keep enough water in the glass to keep a constant humidity around the seed.

It will take four to eight weeks and a root will grow into the glass.

You can now carefully place the seed in a pot making sure not to damage the root.

Plants have a tendency to shoot up with out forming any leaves or side stems.

If you pinch out the top of a sturdy stem with lots of leaves side shots will grow and form a small crown. This is best done in spring.

Never allow drying out, using a liquid plant food once a month.

It is possible to keep an avocado tree for years as long as it does not dry out.

Note, these grow into large trees, and can easily outgrow their space.

Molly Johnson

Smith County Master Gardeners