How to pot an avocado seedling?
Avocado Pennsylvania, USA
I have been away from home for two weeks and when I got back last night I found that my avocado seed that I have been trying to germinate in a glass of water has finally grown a root. Having spent a lot of time trying to germinate a seed, I wanted to see if anybody could give me some advice on the best way to pot it up. Should I completely cover the seed with soil now or should I leave the top third sticking out as if I was trying to germinate? What is the best soil to put an avocado seedling in and how big should the container be?
Avocado seed with root
Posted
by: Lindsay McMenemy
(4 points)
Posted: May 5, 2013
Answers
A seed won’t produce the same variety of avocado and growing from seed means 7-15 years before it will fruit. I’m too old to wait that long so I would have to buy a tree! When the stem is 6-7” cut it back to 3”; when the stem produces new growth again and roots are 2-3” long you can plant (in a pot if you aren’t in a tropical climate). It likes a pH of 6-6.5, very well drained soil, full sun and a balanced fertilizer. Overwatering can cause yellow leaves, root rot, etc. It can tolerate a wide variety of soil types as long as it is well drained.
Posted
by: Susan League, UF/IFAS Sumter Program Assistant
(1 point)
Posted: May 5, 2013
Lindsay McMenemy commented,
Thanks for the info Susan. I don't mind that it won't produce for a long time, this was largely an experiment and I like the novelty of having an avocado plant. Willing to put in the time. I will keep it indoors in a container but I need to know what to pot it in.... almost 11 years ago.
Thanks for the info Susan. I don't mind that it won't produce for a long time, this was largely an experiment and I like the novelty of having an avocado plant. Willing to put in the time. I will keep it indoors in a container but I need to know what to pot it in.... almost 11 years ago.
Susan League, UF/IFAS Sumter Program Assistant commented,
Lindsay, I don't believe the type of pot will matter that much as long as it drains extremely well. Opinions & recommendations seem to vary on the size pot, but generally seem to be from a 1 to 5 gallon pot. Avocados are shallow rooted so it's best to mulch it well so the soil can stay moist but not drenched. Use an indoor plant mixture without a lot of peat for your soil. Post another picture sometime when this gets growing! almost 11 years ago.
Lindsay, I don't believe the type of pot will matter that much as long as it drains extremely well. Opinions & recommendations seem to vary on the size pot, but generally seem to be from a 1 to 5 gallon pot. Avocados are shallow rooted so it's best to mulch it well so the soil can stay moist but not drenched. Use an indoor plant mixture without a lot of peat for your soil. Post another picture sometime when this gets growing! almost 11 years ago.
I potted the seed in a terracotta pot 13" in diameter with Miracle Gro potting mix. I planted the seed about a half inch from the soil surface and have been keeping the soil moist, but not wet. Yesterday, my patience paid off when the tiny shoot started to become visible poking its way through the surface of the soil. I have a tiny avocado tree!! So from time of potting to the emergence of the shoot was almost exactly one month! I will continue to nurture the little seedling over the next decade and hopefully be able to report on the fruit!!!
Tiny avocado shoot emerging from soil
Posted
by: Lindsay McMenemy
(4 points)
Posted: June 6, 2013
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