We have both Hass and Reed avocado varieties, so begin by extracting the seeds from the avocados. We’ll start with the toothpick and water method: Remove the outer skin of the seed, insert toothpicks into the seed, and partially submerge them in water. Remove the outermost skin to prevent it from breaking down in the water and developing mold, which can adversely affect the seed. Carefully insert toothpicks into the seed, avoiding the crevices along the sides to prevent splitting. Place the prepared seeds in glass jars, ensuring they are half-submerged in water.
Soil Sowing Method:
As for the other two seeds, each will go into its individual pot filled with fine potting mix. Ensure the flat side of the seed faces down, while the more pointed or rounded end faces up. In winter, use a heat mat to provide some warmth, which can expedite germination as avocados tend to respond well to warmth.
8 Weeks Later:
The Reed avocado has sprouted with a robust root system and healthy top growth. However, the one placed in water hasn’t shown any growth. It’s challenging to assess the progress of the seeds in soil due to their concealed nature. To combat rapid soil drying caused by the heat pad, cover the pots with plastic containers to maintain soil moisture and humidity.
14 Weeks:
The Reed avocado continues to thrive, displaying lush green leaves and the need for transplantation into soil. The Hass avocado placed in water has begun to sprout with a small root emerging. In contrast, the ones in soil show varying progress, with the Reed avocado displaying healthy growth, but the Hass avocado has yet to sprout.
When transplanting avocado seeds into soil, use regular potting mix, gently place soil around the seed, and be cautious to avoid disturbing the roots. Avocado trees are sensitive to root disturbance.
More on Avocados:
Water the plant but avoid excessive moisture to prevent root rot, which is common in avocados. The previously transplanted Hass avocado may appear slightly stressed due to transplant shock but is slowly recovering. Meanwhile, the Reed avocado has thrived and outpaced the others in growth.
After 5 months, a noticeable difference emerges between the trees grown directly in soil and those from the water and toothpick method. Trees cultivated directly in soil are larger and more vigorous, outpacing their counterparts from the water and toothpick method. In conclusion, while seeds grown directly in soil may take longer to sprout initially, they tend to grow rapidly and outperform those grown through the water and toothpick method as they adapt to the ground after transplantation.
