Last time we checked in here on the blog with an avocado plant update, our little pits had just began to sprout roots. In 3 weeks time, the roots on both pits have grown so long they're beginning to curl under and more importantly, they're finally beginning to sprout stems through the tops of the pits!
The smaller of the two has continued on the fast track, as compared with the larger pit, in growing the longer roots and sprouting a stem above the pit first. I was somewhat worried the pits would just stop growing once we moved them to the new location, but they've done surprisingly well.
Last time we checked in, I mentioned it looked like the larger of the two pits would somehow need to crack all the way open like the smaller one already naturally had in order for the stem to be able to sprout up and through. After about a week of waiting and watching, I noticed the stem on the smaller one about to clear the crack and noticed that while there was a similar stem within the middle of the larger one, it was still going to have to push its way through, cracking the pit open if it had a chance at growing properly.
Sooooo....I picked it up and tapped it gently until it suddenly just cracked right open. I was worried I'd split it in half completely in my haste, but on the contrary, it was just what it needed. I guess it's not much different from when we gently helped them along (ahem, intervened) by peeling off their outer layers of skin to promote root growth.
I guess my question now is — since the roots are getting so long that they are curling under and sprouting new growth, should we switch them over to taller glasses or let them remain in the glasses they are in?
I feel like the majority of photos I see have the roots curled under in smaller glasses as the stems continue to grow and sprout leaves. What would you all do if they were yours? Any tips from those with experience or educated guesses?
I'm declaring success at sprouting these pits, even though it's taken 2 months to do so. Methinks it just must take much longer in colder, less ideal climates for these guys. Timthinks guacamole is on the horizon (yea right). As always, we'll keep you posted as we wait, water and watch these little guys in their new window perch in hopes they continue to slowly thrive!
Yay! Those are looking great! I'm not even going to try and guess as to whether you should leave them as they are or change to larger glasses. I don't want to have any part in the undoing of these little beauties. :)
ReplyDeleteWow! those are growing a LOT! How cool!!! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://munchtalk.blogspot.com/
Three weeks later...any progress??
ReplyDeleteYou are right! We are due for an update! Our little avocados are still plugging along and we'll be sure to give an update this week with photos!
DeleteI've been successful at growing an avacado pit into a small tree by scoring the cleaned pit, wrapping it in a damp paper towel, and putting it in a tightly sealed jar under the sink where it gets warm next to the dishwasher... I don't remember how long it took but it eventually stemmed about 5-6" in the jar. At that point (no leaves, just a stem) I planted it into soil and from there it really took off. I've never tried your method, so I'll be interested to see the updates!
ReplyDeletealso to add further, I did this in the middle of a Canadian winter and I don't have much of a green thumb, so it's a pretty fool proof method.
DeleteHey there - thanks for sharing this method with us, it sounds like a lot quicker route! Maybe one we will try!
DeleteHey Tim and Mary! I recently came across your blog and I am loving it! My hubby and I have already started trying many of these tips in our own windowsills and on our deck! I just wanted to say, if you are expecting fruit from this plant you may want to look into ordering some pollen, many avocados are 'self-incompatible' and can only be pollinated from insects. Anyway, thank you for all of the great ideas! Happy Growing.
ReplyDeleteTierra
Thanks so much for the tip Tierra!
DeleteHey, last converse I see was May 2012. Are you still growing your avocado. I just came across this site and wanted to talk about your avocado. I have a plant which I grew from a seed just as you did. Once it got a good main root and a shoot from the top with 3 to 4 leaves, I put it in a pot and soil. Mine is now about 18" tall, lost the smaller leaves and has grown 6 more leaves. A friend of mine in PA did the same as we did, grew it into a tree. I moved from PA so I don't know if it is still growing. But, I remember her telling me it was self-pollinating and would not produce fruit for the first 3 years. Guess I will Google that. Anyway, I was curious what happened with your plant since there are no more comments after May 2012. I hope it is still growing.
ReplyDeleteWe are and it's slow growing but doing well in the pot! We are due for an update!
Deleteyou will have to wait about 10 years before it fruits :(
ReplyDelete