When to sow avocado seeds? A detailed guide to germination time and growing techniques

Avocado fruit is a fruit with high nutritional value, containing multiple vitamins, rich fatty acids and protein, and high levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and other elements. Its nutritional value is comparable to cream, and it even has the reputation of “forest cream.” It is generally eaten as a fresh fruit, and can also be made into dishes and canned goods. So, when are avocado seeds sown? How long until they germinate? What are the growing techniques?

1. When are avocado seeds sown?

Avocado seeds are planted in spring. When sowing, the seed coat should be removed and the seeds sprouted in a sand bed. Choose a place with deep soil, good drainage, and shelter from the wind for planting.

2. How long after planting do they germinate?

When planting avocados, a spacing of 5 x (6-7) m between plants and rows is more suitable. Mixed planting of varieties can ensure pollination. Seeds germinate 30-40 days after sowing, and after about 1 year of cultivation they can leave the nursery for planting or grafting.

3. How are avocados grown?

1. Field planting: When avocado seedlings are 10-20 cm tall, transplant them in grades by size, with a spacing of 30×60 cm between plants and rows. Water thoroughly before transplanting, and dig as deep as possible to avoid damaging the roots. The planting spacing is 5-6 m between plants and rows. Grafted seedlings flower and bear fruit 3-4 years after planting, or seedling trees after 4-6 years.

2. Mulching: Avocado is a fruit tree that grows under tropical rainforest conditions and in competition for sunlight. The high-temperature and high-humidity environment makes it grow quickly. Therefore, avocado cultivation abroad mostly emphasizes growing grass or green manure near the plants in the early stage, and applying large amounts of mulch near the root zone.

3. Fertilizing: Avocados conventionally need nitrogen fertilizer applied more than 4 times a year, usually by broadcasting or through the irrigation system. During the young fruit stage, mature trees are given 50 kg of organic fertilizer and 50 g of compound fertilizer per tree, and after harvest it is applied once more, with the amount doubled.

4. Drainage: Avocados need the soil around the roots to remain moist all year round. They are very sensitive to soil drought. Once lacking water, their physiological functions are blocked and the tree vigor weakens, causing leaf and fruit drop, and reducing cold resistance in winter. Therefore, irrigate appropriately during drought, but pay attention to drainage during the rainy season.