How to germinate an avocado pit?

Easy to make and very didactic with children, germinate seeds ofattorney to obtain a beautiful plant to keep indoors or to display outdoors in Mediterranean regions.

Sprouting an avocado pit?

Once theattorney purchased, carefully remove the brown skin that contains the pit as well as the green flesh. Do it gently so as not to damage the precious core. Pass it under water so that it is very clean, free of pieces of flesh. Keep the core for one hour in lukewarm water and remove the brown film that surrounds it. Here are the steps to follow to successfully germinate a seed ofattorney :

• hold it point up;
• at 1/3 of its height, stick 3 or 4 toothpicks or matches all around the core;
• fill a glass jar or bulb carafe with room temperature water;
• place a small piece of coal to keep the water clear longer;
• soak the base of the core in water;
• regularly adjust the water level;
• place the glass near a source of lightin a room at around 20°C.

Do not hesitate to germinate several kernels at the same time to guarantee a correct result. Some may mold and not germinate.

Planting an avocado pit?

After a few weeks after soaking, the core will split in two and reveal roots at the level of the lower part and stems at the level of the upper part. Planting can take place. Here are some steps to follow:

• take a medium-sized pot, equipped with holes for drainage ;
• put some gravel or marblesclay at the bottom for drainage;
• fill it with horticultural soil;
• gently position the core and the roots in the center leaving 3 cm on the surface;
• tamp all around and water.

Always keep the soil slightly moist but above all not soggy. Once the main stem bears 2 pairs of leaves, cut it so that it branches out. Without this pruning, you are going to get only one single stem. On sunny days, place it outside, sheltered from sunshine which may cause burns.

at thefall, put it in the shelter of a greenhouse or a sheltered room. Grow the avocado tree as a houseplant or as a potted plant on a balcony or terrace in the south of France. Do not expect to have fruit for many years!