Ninety-five percent of the avocados in the grocery store are of the Hass variety.
According to the California Avocado Commission, Hass avocados make up 95 percent of avocados sold in grocery stores and for a good reason. They're a healthy source of oil, fiber and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Since avocados sprout easily from seed, many eager gardeners save their avocado pits so they can try their hand at growing this tasty, creamy fruit. However, avocado trees grown from seed often take years to produce their first crop, so plant an avocado sapling if you're not up for the long wait.
Instructions
Sprouting Avocado Seeds
1. Wash the outside of the avocado pit. Check the surface of the pit to make sure it has not been damaged by knife or teeth marks.
2. Place a few pieces of charcoal inside a small jar or water glass. Fill the glass almost to the rim with water.
3. Position the pit with the narrow end up. Pierce with three or four toothpicks along the middle of the pit.
4. Place the avocado pit and toothpicks on the rim of the glass so that the wide end of the pit rests in the water. Add more water to the glass if necessary.
5. Put the glass with the avocado pit in a warm windowsill. Refill water when necessary to keep the pit from drying out.
6. Wait two to six weeks for the seed to sprout. When the stem reaches 6 inches tall, pinch it back to half its height. When the roots are full and the stem reaches 6 inches for the second time, the seedling is ready for outdoor planting.
Preparing the Planting Site
7. Find a sunny, well-draining site to accommodate your avocado tree. Since these trees are somewhat cold sensitive, choose an area with wind protection and southern exposure.
8. Form a 1- to 2-foot mound of soil with well-draining sandy loam. The mound should be about 4 feet in diameter and will ensure the tree has adequate soil drainage.
9. Sprinkle the mound with about 20 lb. of gypsum.
10. Dig a hole in the mound, making it slightly larger than the tree's root ball.
11. Loosen the soil in the tree's root ball very gently. Avocado trees are sensitive to root damage, so be careful not to harm the roots.
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