Expert: Mike Mascio - 12/20/2006

Question
Hi... i am sending you this mail from Pakistan. i like this fruit very much and i brought the fresh avocados from USA several times. been trying to grow up avocado tree for long time. i am in good environment but still could not get any success i am still trying but i don,t know if there is some thing wrong i am doing please advise me because i want to introduce this fruit here in Pakistan i will be gratfull to you.. thanks.

Answer
Saeed, if propagating with pits, the point of the pit should be up and the root down. It should be noted, however, that growing avocados from pits or seed is not recommended due to the low success rate. Rather, you would be better served to purchase a grafted tree from an American tree catalog. One that I highly recommend is Stark Brothers. Plant the tree in slightly acidic soil (5.5 to 6.0 PH) and make sure you grow it in an area with excellent drainage. If cared for properly, it will produce fruit within 3 years.

Another option is cuttings. To propagate by cuttings, simply cut a tender shoot that is at least six inches long. Remove the lower sets of leaves. Dip the cutting in a rooting compound. Stick the cutting one inch into a good potting mix. Be sure to thoroughly wet the soil prior to planting. Finally, cover the pot with a clear piece of lightweight plastic. Place the pot in indirect sunlight on an east window seal or under fluorescent lighting.

After two weeks, check to see if the plant has rooted by slightly pulling on the stem. If you feel resistance, remove the plastic covering and be sure to keep the soil moist. The plant should then be treated as any other seedling.


Good luck, and thanks for writing.

Regards,

Mike