The Propagation of Hass Avocados

Seed

• Hass avocados are commercially produced. Commercial growers propagate them by grafting seedlings onto cloned rootstock. The rootstock gives a plant disease-resistance and is responsible for contributing to a growing plant's uniformity. Propagating an avocado plant from a Hass avocado seed does not ensure uniformity or disease-resistance, but the plant should grow if given a proper start. Most avocado are easily grown from seed. Clean a used avocado's pit thoroughly before propagating. Submerge the brown end of the pit in water to a depth of 1 inch. Set the seed in a warm, bright area, and shoots should emerge within 14 to 40 days. When the leaves and roots are sturdy, plant the seedling in a clean, sterile, well-draining medium.

Grafting

• Grafting is a propagation method in which a young shoot is taken from a mature plant and grown onto rootstock. The rootstock usually has resistance to disease and is hardy against frost and inclement weather. Rootstock is purebred and usually cloned. These exact copies help ensure uniform Hass avocado production. Various rootstocks are available through catalogs and local university extension offices. Grafting is an advanced propagation technique. Most gardeners and home growers purchase avocado plants that are already grown from rootstock.

Advantages

• Hass avocado plants grown from rootstock are not only more resistant to disease and poor weather, but they also bear fruit much sooner than avocado plants that are started from seed. Avocado started from seed take up to 15 years before they produce viable fruit. Plants grown from rootstock grafts yield fruit within five years.

Considerations

• Before planting any seed, make certain to clean the seed. Dirty seeds are at risk of carrying diseases that transfer over to the plant. Avocados that have fallen to the ground should not be used as seed starts. They may have become contaminated with Phytophthora, a fungus that causes root rot. Always use sterile pots or containers and pasteurized, uncontaminated soil.