How to grow an avocado from a stone at home - 2 ways + step by step photo

Avocado is a well-known fruit that came to us from tropical countries. Many lovers of exotic flora dream of getting this capricious guest on their windowsill. Growing an avocado from a seed at home is a snap. But in order for the tree to grow in the future and become a real decoration of your interior, you will have to learn several rules for caring for it.

• 2 How you can germinate a bone: two ways
• 3 Home conditions for active tree growth

  3.1 Table: possible cultivation problems and methods of their elimination

• 3.2 Video: how to care for an avocado tree

4 Reviews

5 Video: practical tips for growing avocados (part 1)

6 Video: practical tips for growing avocados (part 2)

Health benefits of avocado

Alligator pear - this is how the avocado is called in English because of the pimply green skin. Pear-shaped, smooth large bone, rough skin of different shades of green, which quickly turns black from the moment the fruit is fully ripe. And oily flesh with a bright color - from green to light yellow.

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1. Nutrition experts recommend including an overseas fruit in their daily diet for people who are unable to gain weight. Due to the accumulation of unsaturated fatty acids, a rapid increase in body weight occurs, provided that you work out in the gym.
2. Alligator pear contains vitamin B6, otherwise it is called pyridoxine. This compound prevents the deposition of cholesterol plaques in the cavity of the blood channels, prevents atherosclerosis and facilitates the course of an existing ailment.
3. Despite the ability of avocados to increase body weight, we are not talking about body fat. Therefore, the fruit is eaten with pleasure when losing weight and obesity in order to accelerate metabolism. The fruit increases metabolism, against this background, the volume of the body decreases.
4. The value of the avocado is centered in its ability to improve the functioning of the digestive system and lubricate the lining of the stomach. Food no longer stays stale and does not ferment in the esophagus, and the frequency of bloating and constipation decreases. Some doctors prescribe avocados to help normalize the acidity of the stomach.
5. The fair sex, who have been suffering from painful menstruation for a long time, need to introduce the fetus into the diet. Avocado increases hemoglobin and fights stomach cramps.
6. The overseas fruit is accepted by people who have been diagnosed with oncological diseases. Avocado shuts off blood circulation in the area of ​​the tumor, triggering the destruction of the formations. For prevention purposes, the fruit should be eaten daily to neutralize free radicals.
7. The composition contains the well-known beta-carotene, which is necessary for a person to maintain eye health. Eat avocados if you have visual impairment or other abnormalities of this kind. The fetus prevents glaucoma and cataracts.
8. With long-term use of harsh antibiotics, it is recommended to include avocados in your daily diet.The pulp of the fruit will prevent the destructive effect of medications on liver cells and restore its structure.
9. It is useful to use avocado oil, which perfectly fights against dermatological problems. The composition is applied in the form of compresses to wounds and abrasions, eczema, lichen, dermatitis, psoriasis are treated with oil.
10. Avocado has a beneficial effect on the human reproductive system and reproductive activity in particular. The fruit must be consumed by people who are soon planning to conceive a healthy child.

Will a tree grown from a stone bear fruit

Opinions on this matter differ, based, apparently, on the personal experiences of different gardeners.

1. Some argue that there is a theoretical possibility that a home-grown avocado will bear fruit. But for this, the tree must reach a height of at least two meters, and, in addition, it must be grafted. And yet it is not a fact that even if such conditions are met, something will work out.
2. Others say that in the overwhelming majority of cases (and this is 95 -99%), indoor avocado does not bloom, and, moreover, does not bear fruit. Such examples are a rare exception and a great pride of the owner.

Preparing the avocado seed for planting

This stage is the most important of the preparatory moments. First you need to properly remove the bone from the fetus. Having made a size in the center to a depth of 1 cm, remove the seed material with a spoon, making rotational movements.

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Then the bone is thoroughly washed, being careful not to damage the brown peel. The subsequent steps will depend on the chosen germination method.

The nuances of growing

Avocado is a member of the laurel family. Under natural conditions, it can reach eighteen meters in height. So it can be called a tree very conditionally. But at home, in any case, it will not grow like that, but it will be a very cute and spectacular mini-garden.

The main condition for seed germination is ripe avocado.

The first prerequisite for successful avocado development is choosing the right fruit. It should be ripe, since the fruit seed runs the risk of not sprouting, and slightly puckering when pressed.

The next moment - you need to be able to get the bone. Again, it depends on this whether the plant will hatch.

How can this be done?

1. Make a neat cut lengthwise.
2. Grab the halves with your hands and scroll them in opposite directions.

After which the bone is very easily removed.

Avocados require special attention.

You need to be prepared for some nuances:

• a very young tree is not particularly attractive. It looks like a thin bare stem with a bunch of leaves on the very top;
• the sprout vitally needs direct rays of the sun, otherwise you should not expect normal development;
• in winter, you will have to make a lot of efforts to save the green pet and prevent it from shedding its leaves: ensure the air temperature is not less than +16 C and do not water often;
• does not tolerate dry or too wet soil, but requires high humidity.

Closed method for sprouting avocado seeds

The closed method is more familiar to farmers. In this case, there is no need to get the seeds from the seed. However, it is advisable to make three small holes in it, through which air, water and nutrients necessary for their germination will enter the seeds. After that, you need to plant the bone in the ground. It should be loose enough. Requires the preparation of a drainage system in advance. For this, pebbles and expanded clay are used. The bone should be with the blunt end down, planted 2 - 3 cm deep. Within a month, the first sprout may appear on the surface.

Content:

1. How to grow an avocado from a seed in a pot - method number 1
2. How to grow an avocado from a stone at home - method number 2
3. Conditions for growing avocados at home + photos of plants
4. How to grow an avocado from a seed for fruits

Avocado is an evergreen fruit tree from the laurel family.

Under the usual growing conditions - in the Caribbean or in Mexico - its height reaches two tens of meters.

A bush grown at home in a tub will not exceed 2.5-3.

At the same time, it will be more of a decorative value, since no one can guarantee that the tree will begin to bear fruit.

This can take from three to six years, and it will take a lot of work.

At the same time, such an exotic plant not only decorates the apartment, but also perfectly cleans the air.

It is possible to grow an exotic avocado at home

Open method for sprouting avocado seeds in water

This will require a glass or other suitable container. Your actions will be as follows:

1. Punch 3 holes in the center of the bone. Then insert 3–5 mm toothpicks into each of them.
2. In this form, place the bone with a blunt end in a container filled with cold water. Adjust the water level so that only one third of the planting material is submerged in the liquid.
3. Watch the water level, it is necessary that it does not change. You can transplant avocados into the ground after the roots have grown 3–4 cm. Root formation takes 1–6 weeks, depending on the season.

Testimonials

I grow avocados in my room. It grew out of my bones. It sprouts very well, just be patient. I immediately plant the bone in the ground so that a third of the sharp end sticks out of the ground. At first it grows into one trunk, then gradually begins to branch. Can be shaped, is not afraid of pruning.

qroto

My avocado died after 2 years. And they watered and changed the land. Nothing saved him. This is not a domestic plant.

Little thing

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It is, of course, possible to grow an avocado from a seed, but it takes a very long time. It will take a couple of years to tinker with an avocado for the central trunk to just woody. And there is a high probability that in another three years this tree will wither away.

vikusja

In indoor conditions, an avocado does not live long (no more than 6 months), if you do not deal with it and create conditions suitable for it.

Andrew

Transplanting an avocado seed into the ground

Avocados do not like too heavy, acidic and clayey soils, so simple soil from a garden plot will not work. The soil mixture will have to be prepared as follows: It is necessary to take in equal proportions garden soil, peat, coarse sand, humus and a pinch of lime. Mix all components thoroughly. That's it, the soil mixture is ready. The same soil must be used in the case of planting the bones directly into the ground.

Since the soil from the garden can be filled with harmful microbes, it is better to try to disinfect the prepared mixture by spilling it with boiling water the day before planting a seed or sprouted seed.

For planting, it is better to take a simple plastic pot, no more than 15 cm high. It is better not to use a clay container in this case, since the walls of such a pot can allow moisture to pass through, which is vital for an avocado. The bottom of the selected pot should be water-permeable, and it should also be equipped with a drainage system, which can be done using special granules or the usual expanded clay.

Current germination methods

The avocado seed is independently cultivated by planting it in the ground or in water. At home, you can grow Mexican Perseus. Germination in the ground is long-term, shoots are formed in 2-3 months.A tropical tree grows faster in water, which makes the work of amateur gardeners easier.

Preparation of the bone

Purchase in a ripe alligator pear, no rot. Before planting an avocado, prepare a seed:

• carefully cut the fruit in the center. Try to cut the flesh 1 cm deep and, gently rotating the knife, cut out the bone.
• clean the core. Be sure to rinse it under water without a brush to keep the brown shell intact.
• while germinating the plant in water, make holes for the toothpicks. Lift the sharp end of the bone up and insert several toothpicks into it, deepening them by 5 mm.

After preparing the seed, you can solve the problem of how technologically correct to grow avocados at home.

Use of the aquatic environment

The bone is planted in a container with water, with a blunt side. The liquid should cover the seed by half. For avocados to take root, cultivate as follows:

1. carefully, using a thick needle, pierce the surface of the shell.
2. place a few toothpicks in the resulting holes.
3. put the grain in a glass of water with the thick side, placing toothpicks on its edges.
4. choose the right liquid - boiled, cooled to room temperature.
5. watch the water evaporate and add it gradually.

Primary roots appear in 14-21 days. A shoot grown up to 3 cm can be placed in the ground.

Landing in the ground

Prepare the soil mixture before planting the seed. You will need peat, earth, sand and humus in equal proportions, to which 14 servings of lime will be added. To germinate Perseus, you need:

1. Planting an avocado seed correctly is choosing a clay pot of the right size for it. A vessel with equal depth and diameter - 10 cm will be optimal.
2. Make small holes in the container, thanks to which the liquid will not stagnate.
3. Prepare drainage - expanded clay or foam pieces.
4. How to plant an avocado seed, the previous method will tell you - with a blunt end down to the middle.

The plant is planted only in a clay pot filled with soil up to 2 cm from the edge. Instead of a soil mixture, you can mix earth and coconut fiber in equal parts. Moisten the soil constantly and the first shoots may appear in 2-3 months.

Transplanting an avocado at home

The tropical tree grows up to 20 m in height. Cultivating the Mexican avocado variety will not produce the same result for gardeners. It will be possible to grow an avocado quickly only with frequent transplantation: a 15-centimeter shoot is placed in a large container. Young stems are transplanted once every 12 months, and then once every 3 years. The soil is prepared in a special way - you need a loose soil, with a low level of acidity, fertilized with wood ash or dolomite flour.

As a soil mixture, a composition is prepared based on peat, garden soil and coarse river sand in equal quantities. How to plant a plant correctly without damaging the soil? Agronomists advise using the transshipment technique - the tree is transferred with a clod of earth from a container that has become small.

What are the chances of growing an avocado at home

Avocado multiplies easily, so it's easy to grow it indoors from store-bought fruit.. The fastest growth of avocados is observed in the spring.... But this culture is likely to serve only a decorative function. The avocado growing in the natural environment reaches a height of 18–20 meters. The size of a tree obtained at home will not exceed 2.5 m.In addition, the fruiting of such a plant does not always occur. But thanks to the lush crown, the avocado looks attractive even without flowers and fruits. Also, this tree is useful in that it effectively purifies the air.

Avocado grows well at home, but rarely bears fruit

Important! Choose only ripe fruit in the store, without visible damage or signs of wilting.

How to care for an avocado at home

To successfully grow avocados, try to comply with some conditions:

1. Regular watering several times a week. In cold periods, water limitedly - only on the third day after the soil dries.
2. The plant must be protected from direct sunlight, the light must be diffused.
3. It is necessary to maintain an optimal level of humidity in the room. To do this, you can use a humidifier.
4. It is important to keep the temperature within 16-20 degrees. In winter, the temperature can be 10-12 degrees.
5. You should think about high-quality feeding. As fertilizers, you can use special formulations for ornamental plants.
6. To improve decorativeness, special trimming is performed. Better to do it in March.

Conditions to be followed

Deciduous tree is characterized by wide foliage, plastic trunks, which are intertwined like pigtails. Growing an avocado is easy: start by finding a good, ripe fruit. Use a simple method: press down a little with your hands and release. The ripe fruit will return to its original shape. An unripe avocado is more difficult to grow because you have to wait for it to ripen. To speed up the process, place it in the same box with bananas or apples - the ethylene released from the fruit stimulates ripening.

Site preparation and lighting

It is important to plant the seed correctly. Gardeners recommend:

• plant a plant in an open sunny area, but light partial shade is possible;
• try not to give direct streams of light access to culture;
• at home, place the sprout on the windowsill.

The ideal place for a tree is the west side of the property, a windowsill or a balcony.

Temperature selection

The tropical plant is thermophilic. With a decrease in thermal indicators, growing an avocado on your own from a bone removed will not bring success. Draft will lead to rapid leaf fall. To create optimal conditions for hardwood, you must:

• maintain the desired temperature regime. In summer, room temperature is enough, and in winter it is better to set +20 degrees Celsius;
• take into account the dormant period and the risks of dropping leaves with an indicator of +12 degrees.

An evergreen tropical plant requires a balance of temperature - control it carefully.

Organization of watering

The tree is accustomed to heavy tropical rainfall, so it needs regular watering. It is worth taking care of the culture correctly: avoid waterlogging of the soil and increase the portion of water in the summer. Make sure that the topsoil is dry (2-3 days), and then add a little moisture. It remains inside the flowerpot for another 48 hours.

Maintaining normal air humidity

Avocados are grown in damp places because its foliage suffers from dry air. The following activities will help create a normal microclimate:

• carry out regular spraying;
• humidify the air, not the stem itself;
• avoid droplets falling on the leaves.

A simple way to achieve a suitable moisture content for the tree is to install a pallet with expanded clay filler and periodically moisten it with water.

Application of dressings and fertilizers

Growing an avocado from a prepared seed according to all the rules does not provide for feeding in March - September. In the remaining months, fertilize citrus fruits once every 30 days. Feeding with fertilizers based on sodium, phosphorus and potassium is performed twice a year. Proper care of avocados contributes to the rapid growth of a tree with a beautiful lush crown, saturating the air with oxygen.

Temperature

Since potted avocado is a tropical plant, it is only natural that it loves warmth.With a sharp drop in the air temperature in the room or the slightest draft, the avocado shows its dissatisfaction - it simply throws off all the leaves. It is for this reason that it is undesirable to take it outside, even on warm summer days.

The room should be kept at a constant temperature. In the warm season, a high room temperature is favorable for the plant, and in winter, during the dormant period, + 20 ° C will be enough for it. If the temperature in the room drops to +12 ° C, the avocado will react instantly - shedding the leaves and "hibernating". With constant temperature and proper care, this is extremely rare, since the plant is considered evergreen.

Choosing a bone

When buying an avocado for the purpose of its further cultivation, be sure to choose a ripe fruit, and to determine the desired ripeness right in the store, you can resort to a little trick. Just press your fingers on the avocado and see if there are small dents after that, if so, then you can buy it. Next, very carefully with a sharp knife, you need to cut the fruit, but so as not to hook or damage its seed. After removing the bone, it must be rinsed and allowed to dry out. That's all, your avocado is ready for germination. Please note that the pulp remaining on the bone can cause water to decay and the death of the plant itself.

Avocado tree decoration

An avocado tree with smooth, shiny leaves is a decoration of any apartment. Due to their flexibility and elasticity, wood stems can be intertwined, twisted in a spiral on a peg driven in a row, etc.

To decorate the trunk, you can plant three young trees in one pot and braid them into a pigtail. The younger and thinner the stems, the easier they are to bend. Weaving should be done gradually, as the stems grow, loosely fixing the result with wire.

The pigtail should not be too tight. In order for the weaving to be embossed and beautiful, gaps must be left between the stems. If this is not foreseen, the overgrown trunks will "fuse" on top of each other, distorting the picture.

Parasites

Sometimes the plant suffers from pathological microorganisms and parasitic insects. The most difficult thing is indoor avocados, since the environmental conditions are unusual, and the climate is different from the tropical.

Some parasites can damage the plant

Phytophthora

This disease is fungal in nature and is quite dangerous. The pathogen fungus lives in the soil. It multiplies and destroys the root system.

Affected roots are easy to damage, they turn black. As the disease progresses, the trunk is affected, forming ulcers on the bark.

Phytophthora

Important! This disease is incurable; the diseased plant will have to be disposed of.

Powdery mildew

This fungal disease can kill avocados. However, unlike the previous fungus, it does not destroy the plant from the inside, affecting exclusively the front side of the leaves.

Important! You should be alerted by a plaque that looks like a gray or whitish powder. After that, spots appear on the leaves - yellow and green shades.

Powdery mildew

Treat avocados with a fungicide such as Topaz or Hom.

"Topaz"

Shield

This insect is quite large in size, typical of greenhouses or indoor plants. The appearance of the scale insect is specific - it has a shell that makes it look like a small tortoise.

Shield

This insect loves foliage, petioles, stems. Scabbards adhere tightly to the indicated places with their bodies. If you notice at least one scale insect, inspect absolutely all the plants in the room, as the parasite will quickly "capture" neighboring crops.

Important! You need to learn to distinguish this insect from a false scale insect. If this is really a scale insect, you can remove its shell - the insect will not react in any way to this effect.But the false shield will not allow you to remove it, since it is part of her body.

It is necessary to process the tree to protect against parasites

It is tropical plants such as avocados, palms, various citrus fruits that suffer from the effects of this parasite, so carefully examine your wards and process them in time.

Growing avocados is not too difficult, the main thing is to ensure proper watering, feeding and protection from pests, and then the tree will delight with its beauty and, possibly, even fruits for a long time.

Pruning

Avocados are characterized by rapid growth, as a result of which the trees require formative pruning. Each spring, the tops and shoots of trees are shortened so that they do not look out of the trench, since excessively tall specimens will be very difficult to cover for the winter. Saplings with a pyramidal crown are rounded by pruning. Formative pruning is not required for mature plants. For them, the procedure is of a sanitary nature, during which sick, weak or dry branches are cut out.

Diseases and pests

Avocados can be parasitized by scale insects and spider mites. You can notice this by the strong dropping and yellowing of the foliage of the plant.

You can get rid of pests in different ways:

• wiping the leaves with a cotton pad soaked in 96% alcohol (does not get rid of spider mite eggs);
• washing the leaves and stems with a solution of laundry soap: the easiest way to perform this manipulation is in the bath (so that the root system does not rot from excess moisture, the soil should only be lightly sprinkled with soapy water);
• the use of insecticides-acaricides (for example, Fitoverm, Actellik, Vermitek, Neoron, Sunmight, etc.): such preparations successfully fight pests and insects on indoor flowers.

If the watering rules are violated, the leaves of the avocado for some reason turn black, and "powdery mildew" appears - a mold that develops in conditions of high humidity.

To get rid of mold, you need to remove and dispose of the topsoil, cut off infected areas and treat the tree with a weak manganese or soap solution.

What to do if the avocado leaves begin to dry - this can happen, both due to extreme heat and lack of moisture, and due to the fault of pests. If, after normalizing the temperature in the house, the plant continues to wither, you should carefully look for a spider mite on it.

Caring for a plant, as well as planting an avocado, does not present any difficulties. Most diseases can be prevented by following simple rules for watering and lighting the plant. In order to prevent the development of scale insects and spider mites, it is enough to sometimes inspect the plant and sprinkle it with a weak manganese solution for preventive purposes.

Fertilizers and feeding

From mid-September to March, the avocado does not need feeding. The rest of the time, the plant is fed with fertilizer for citrus fruits or an infusion of ash is used to feed the plants. It is not difficult to prepare such a composition. To do this, you need to pour three tablespoons (tablespoons) of wood ash with a liter of settled water. Within a week, the composition should be infused. It must be shaken daily so that the ash particles dissolve evenly. Ash infusion for plant feeding is used once a week. Watering is carried out at the root.

Important points when planting a tree

Before growing an avocado, you should evaluate your strengths, think about whether you will be able to create and maintain optimal conditions for exotic at home. You also need to purchase a pot and soil for him. These points should be considered even before the seed is separated from the pulp, since it must be planted without delay.

Pot selection

An avocado will not turn into a tall, spreading tree at home, so a pot that is too large is not needed for it. A small pot with a volume of 2 - 2.5 liters is enough.It can be plastic or clay, ceramic.

There must be holes in the bottom of the pot for water to drain. If the pot does not have them, the water will stagnate in it, and the roots will rot, which will lead to the death of the plant.

Important! For avocados, you need to select a deep pot, since the plant has a taproot. Flat pots, like for bonsai, will not work.

Which land is right

Avocado soil can be acidic or alkaline. Both options are suitable for the plant. The best choice would be a soil for indoor plants with a neutral or slightly acidic pH. You can mix soil for avocado yourself, combining equal parts of fertile soil, peat and sand.

Growing a plant is also possible in open ground conditions. Here, too, suitable soil will be an important prerequisite for good growth. If the land on the site is not fertile and rich in composition, prepare the soil mixture for the tree yourself. To do this, mix in the same amount:

• humus;
• lime sand;
• garden land.

You can use peat instead of humus. It is extremely important that the soil is well aerated, therefore expanded clay or moss may be present in its composition.

We plant a bone

First, drainage is laid on the bottom of the pot. It will not allow water to stagnate at the roots, and will provide ventilation. Expanded clay or ordinary gravel is suitable as drainage. The drainage layer depends on the volume of the pot and is approximately 5th part of it.

Pollination

Avogado bloom

Self-pollination... Avocados are capable of self-pollination, but the likelihood of waiting for the fruit, if you only hope for this, is reduced to almost zero. Cross self-pollination... To do this, you need to plant several seeds in one pot. But, do not forget that this fruit plant does not always bear fruit even in natural growing conditions. Artificial pollination... It is made with a soft brush during the flowering period, when the pollen is ripe. Pollination is carried out up to 3 times a month in the morning.

Preparatory procedures

Avocado cultivation begins with the preparation of the planting material - the seed. To get it, you need to visit the grocery store and buy a ripe avocado. In the department "Garden and Vegetable Garden" you need to purchase soil, drainage and a pot. That's actually all the preparation. But each of these stages has nuances that you should familiarize yourself with.

Tips for choosing an avocado

A seed taken from a ripe fruit has a much better chance of germinating than one from an unripe fruit. And the pulp of a ripe fruit is tastier and healthier than that of an unripe one. To understand that there is a ripe fruit in front of you, take a close look at it. The following signs indicate maturity:

• the peel has a uniform dark green tint (in some varieties it is blue-green, with a purple undertone);
• there are no dents, dark spots, traces of rot and mold on the surface of the fruit;
• when pressing on the fetus with a finger, it springs slightly, but immediately restores its shape without forming dents;
• the stalk is easily separated from the fruit, a green peel remains under it, without signs of rot;
• if the fruit is shaken, you can hear the sound of the bone (not relevant for all varieties).

Even if you bought an unripe fruit, it's not scary. Let it sit for 2 to 3 days on the table next to the bananas and apples, and it will soften. You can speed up ripening by placing the fruit in a paper bag. You can also throw an apple into the bag. The ethylene released from the apple will quickly ripen the avocado.

Separating the seed

When the avocado is ripe, the pulp can be eaten and the seed can be germinated. To remove the bone, the fruit is cut in half with a knife, then the halves are scrolled in different directions and separated. The bone will remain on one of them. Gently prykovyrnuv with a knife, the bone is removed. You can use a spoon or fork instead of a knife.The main thing is to pry on the bone and get it intact.

Note: the bone has a slippery surface. To make it easier to hold in your hands for further manipulations, it is washed in warm water and wiped dry with a cloth.

How to germinate a bone?

There are 2 proven ways to germinate a seedling sprout:

• the simplest is to land directly into the ground;
• the most spectacular and entertaining - in a glass of water.

We use a glass

Prepare a glass of water and 3 wooden sticks. They pierce the seed in 3 places, placing them just below the middle of the seed. Thus, a kind of holding structure is obtained, which will not allow the bone to fall into the water, but will ensure contact with it.

The benefits of avocado for humans

You already know how you can grow an avocado from a seed at home, but have you ever wondered what it is for? The fruits of the plant are most often used in cooking, they are also found as constituents in cosmetics. However, it is extremely important to know that both the leaves and the seed of the fruit should not be eaten in any case - they are toxic, because contain persin. This fungicidal toxin is dangerous not only for humans, but also for animals, especially pets, so make sure that your pets do not try to chew on the plant. The risk is:

• Severe allergic reaction;
• Malfunctions of the digestive system:
• Manifestation of symptoms of poisoning.

But do not be very scared, the pulp of the fruit is quite edible, it has an unusual taste. In general, the beneficial properties of avocado are known all over the world!

1. Prevents and slows down the aging of the skin and the body,
2. Protects against atherosclerosis,
3. Eases symptoms of menopause, premenopause,
4. Improves the condition of blood vessels in the body,
5. Differs in protective properties against arrhythmia,
6. Saturates the body with oxygen, etc.

In general, avocado fruits contain such useful substances and elements as:

• Antioxidant Glutathione,
• Vitamin E, K, C, B6,
• Vegetable fat,
• Potassium,
• Folic acid salts, etc.

Eating only 100 grams of avocado pulp will give you 160 calories, not to mention the fact that this fruit can be used as a substitute for meat and eggs, which makes vegetarianism or fasting easier. Avocado oil is also extracted from the pulp of this fruit, which can be used both in cooking and as additives in cosmetics - ideal for the health and youth of the skin.

The fact that avocado feels great not only in the hot tropics, but also on the windowsill, has been convinced by many lovers of home plants. But not every seasoned gardener will dare to grow an exotic tree in the open ground of the middle lane. This caution is understandable: the culture is extremely sensitive to low temperatures. And yet there are daredevils who, despite the difficulties, managed to "tame" the thermophilic plant.

Seedling care rules

Avocado is not a classic houseplant, so it is necessary to create conditions for it that are as close as possible to their natural habitat. This consists in observing the following rules:

• 
  the room temperature should not be lower than +12 C;

• optimal range from +18 C to +22 C;
• it is recommended to compensate for the lack of natural daylight with additional lighting, especially in winter;
• the plant loves frequent watering and high humidity, which can be created artificially using a spray bottle for indoor plants and placing trays of water around the avocado tree;
• after 6 months, the young plant needs to be fed with a complex fertilizer with a high content of zinc and iron, then fertilizer is applied every 3 months;
• after the appearance of 8 leaves on the tree, the top is pinched, after which the plant stops vigorously stretching upward, and it begins to grow lateral branches,
• the branches are pinched over the fifth leaf.

The recommended height of avocados in indoor conditions is 1.5-2 m, plant growth is regulated by pinching and trimming the top and branches. It is worth noting that avocado has a high growth rate, which is 0.5 m at 3 months.

The appearance of a yellow color on the leaves means that the plant is lacking moisture, and a brown color indicates over-watering.

Landing in the ground

On the appointed day of planting, work is carried out as follows:

• The soil of the fertile layer is generously filled with matured compost or humus.
• The resulting mixture is poured into a trench with a layer of about 40 cm and carefully trampled down.
• With an interval of 1.3–1.5 m, hills of earth 35–40 cm high are poured along the bottom of the trench.
• The seedlings are placed on hills without disturbing the old earthen coma, and the space around them is filled with a nutritious substrate.
• After planting, the soil is carefully compacted and watered abundantly.

The further development of seedlings will depend on how competent the care of them will be.

The soil

When choosing a soil, take the most fertile compounds. It is important to provide drainage. The plant does not like excessive acidity of the soil; it is better to observe the neutrality of the composition. You can make the soil at home yourself - mix humus, earth and sand in the same proportions, add lime.

The soil must be neutral

You can plant an avocado in citrus potting soil. Be sure to loosen the ground.

Important! If you did not transplant the avocado for one reason or another, replace the outermost earthen layer by flooding the rest with water. This will prevent the soil from becoming too salty.

Tips for Beginners

In order for novice growers to be able to grow a tropical tree at home, it is recommended to pay attention to some points:

• when sprouting seeds in the ground, do not touch the brown peel; but when using water or hydrogel, it is better to peel the seed to a green shell, then the process will go faster;
• Having "seated" the bone in a pot, it is recommended to lay a small layer of expanded clay on the surface of the soil - this will allow the avocado to breathe;
• if the trunk of the sprout is thin and too elongated, and the foliage is frail, the tree does not have enough light; therefore, it must either be transferred to another window, or use additional fluorescent lamps;
• after 3 years from the moment of cultivation, the tree can give color; but this does not mean that fruits will appear - for the formation of the ovary, another plant of the same age is needed nearby; for pollination, they must touch each other with branches;
• forming an openwork trunk from several shoots, they should not be tightly intertwined; you need to leave small gaps so that the trunks have room to expand.

It is recommended to start an alligator pear at home for those who are ready to sacrifice a significant size of the area, because the tree needs a lot of free space.

Avocado is a very beautiful ornamental plant that purifies the surrounding air. Its cultivation does not require large cash costs. An exotic tree only needs attention and optimal development conditions.

Air humidity

Air humidity is also important for potted avocados. In our apartments, the air is almost always quite dry. Daily spraying will help solve the problem. It is important that during these water procedures, not the plant itself is moistened, but only the air around it.

Many growers prefer a different way of moisturizing. They use a special pallet filled with moistened expanded clay.