How to grow an avocado from a seed?

The question of how to grow an avocado from a seed at home is quite relevant.

Avocados come in many varieties, approximately 400 species, growing all over the planet. This fruit has a delicate nutty flavor when ripe. The weight of a single avocado can vary depending on the variety, but the smallest is 50 grams. The skin also varies, specifically its firmness. Its color indicates ripeness: if it's dark green, closer to black, then the fruit is ripe and ready to buy. Israel is the most common supplier of avocados to global markets.

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The health benefits of avocado

Among the health benefits of avocado is its high fat content—almost a third of it—which has a beneficial effect on the human body, helping to normalize cholesterol levels and improve heart function. The fruit also contains many beneficial vitamins, enriching the body with iron, potassium, and copper. These properties are found not only in the flesh but also in the peel, so it can be eaten as well.

Avocados have a positive effect on women's health, particularly the genitourinary system, so it's worth learning how to grow avocados from a seed at home to produce fruit. They improve liver function, protect it from harmful effects, and reduce the risk of hepatitis. Eating this fruit is also worthwhile because it helps prevent oral cancer.

Avocado is also recommended for pregnant women because it can prevent the development of fetal abnormalities. In fact, it's beneficial not only for pregnant women but for all women capable of carrying a child. It's also recommended for diabetics.

The fruit's pulp is used not only as food but also for burns, bedsores, and even trophic ulcers. Avocado oil, meanwhile, has found quite successful application in cosmetology.

Therefore, it's worth learning how to grow an avocado from a seed at home by watching a video that explains and demonstrates the process in detail. There are many such master classes online, so finding the right one shouldn't be difficult.

Choosing the right seed for planting

It's important to choose the right planting material. First, choose the right pit, which will yield good germination results. This can be done by buying a ripe avocado—you can tell by its color. You can also press on the sides of the avocado; if an indentation remains after you remove your fingers, it's truly ripe. Then, carefully cut the avocado along the diameter and remove the pit with a knife, being careful not to damage it. If you've chosen the right fruit and it's ripe enough, removing it shouldn't be a problem, as it's quick and easy.

Such a seed should give a good result, because it is in the most favorable period needed for planting.

After removing the seed, rinse it thoroughly under running water and place it on a plate to dry slightly. Then, it's time to prepare the planting container.

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How to properly grow avocado at home?

To know how to grow an avocado from a seed at home using photos, it's important to determine the germination method. There are only two known methods: planting in soil or growing in water. Using the soil method requires a long wait—several weeks or even more than a month—but the second method will produce results quickly. Furthermore, the first method requires a great deal of information about soil moisture, soil composition, and many other nuances that only those who have previously grown avocados from a seed at home can appreciate.

To sprout an avocado in water, you need to do some preparation: turn the pit so the wide end is facing down and make three holes in the pit with a needle. Make the holes only in the top layer of the pit, avoiding the middle, as this may cause the sprouting to fail. Insert sticks into these holes so the pit rests on the edge of the container filled with water.

Place the pit in water so that the tip is just slightly submerged. For this method of growing avocados, use boiled water that has cooled to room temperature. Keep a close eye on the water level; if it has evaporated slightly, top it up to the previous level. Remember, the pit shouldn't be completely submerged, which is why we used the toothpicks.

If the seed has enough moisture, the first roots will sprout in just a few weeks, and when they are about 3 centimeters long, the seedling can be transplanted into the soil.

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Transplanting avocado into the ground

Once the roots have grown to the desired size, you can prepare the soil for replanting. To do this, prepare a mixture of peat, humus, sand, and soil. This will ensure a loose, loamy soil—the best option for indoor avocados. All ingredients should be used in equal quantities, and at the very last moment, add 14 parts lime.

To answer the question of how to grow an avocado from a seed at home (with photos), it's important to consider the pot size. Initially, it should be medium-sized, approximately 9 centimeters deep and the same in diameter. When choosing a container, keep in mind that drainage is essential, so choose pots with holes in the bottom.

An important point that will influence the germination result is that the seed should not be completely buried in the soil—it will simply be lost, and all your efforts will be in vain. Only half of it should be in the soil, with the blunt end down.

How to care for it properly?

Of course, an important point in how to grow an avocado from a seed at home (in pictures) is proper care of the tree so that it is strong and grows.

Avocados don't like direct sunlight, so find a spot with filtered light. The ideal temperature is 18 degrees Celsius, and in winter, it shouldn't fall below 12 degrees Celsius. If you notice your plant dropping leaves, it means one thing: it's not getting enough warmth.

During the warm season, the sprouted plant needs to be watered thoroughly to prevent it from drying out, but in winter, watering should be reduced because moisture drains more slowly and the root system can be flooded, causing the plant to die.

It is also important to maintain optimal air humidity, so the plant should be periodically sprayed with water.

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Pollination

Pollination of the flowers is crucial, as it's the key to all your hard work. Cross-pollination should be practiced, using a soft brush for this. During this period, the tree should receive maximum light. If daylight isn't sufficient, provide artificial lighting for approximately 15 hours a day, but no less. This should be done only early in the morning and only three times a month. Then, consider feeding the plant.

How and when to feed an avocado tree?

The answer to the question of how to grow an avocado from a seed at home using step-by-step photos is good nutrition and careful care. This should be done during the warmer months of the year – spring and summer.

Once or twice a month, but no more. For a healthy tree, this procedure should be done with plenty of mineral fertilizer.

Transfer

As the tree grows, it needs to be replanted and this needs to be done every year, using good soil.

In summer, it is worth taking the plant outside, but place it in a place where it will not be exposed to direct sunlight.

If you carefully study the information on how to grow an avocado from a seed at home, the reviews are positive, so it's worth a try.