Avocado

Persea americana is the botanical name of the Avocado which is also called the Alligator Pear. The fruit it grows is technically a large berry and the large single seed found within the berry can easily be grown.

The tree itself is a plant which is of need of no frost and little wind. High winds effects this self-pollinating plant. The leaves, bark, skin and pit is of toxicity, being able to kill animals when consumed.

With growing indoors the avocado needs to be next to a well-lit window, with wiping of leaves with a damp cloth needed to be done once a month. Liquid fertiliser will be needed in the spring and summer. Pruning and re-potting will be a constant need for the avocado; it is a plant which grows large. If grown indoors, do not expect this plant to fruit. Grown outdoors however, fruiting can be expected in about six years from a plant grown from seed.

The seed of the avocado can be treated to help propagation, where the avocado has three or four tooth picks stuck into it and is placed into a glass filled with water. The heavy side of the seed should be down and direct sunlight should be avoided.

In two to six weeks splitting should occur where roots and a sprout shall appear, if growth does not occur the seed should be thrown out. Once the stem has started growing, potting can be done. When potting is done, half the seed should be exposed. After being potted, plenty of sunlight is needed along with watering that is light and frequent.