Avocados

[free range man]

Hi,

Last autumn I discovered that an avocado stone we had put into an uncovered compost bin (long story) had sprouted! I rescued it and potted it up and it has been sitting on the kitchen windowsill. It is now about 18" tall, with 2 stems and some healthy leaves.

Does anyone know anything about growing avocados - how big will the plant get, should we keep it inside, would we ever get any fruit???

Pouring with rain today, but supposed to be freezing by next week, possible snow!!

Thanks in advance - great forum!

FRM

[MaureenHall]

Given the right conditions (light and heat!) it would grow into a huge tree. Unfortunately in this country it's unlikely that you'll ever get any fruit, but they do make nice houseplants and they're certainly a talking point I've got 1 in my kitchen and trying to root 2 other stones but they're being slow about 6 months I think, but the stones are still solid and I think viable

[Rhona]

I've grown two avocados to about four feet but they just looked like Sideshow Bob. They were healthy enough and made a nice enough plant I suppose but Maureen's right - it's almost unheard of to get fruit in this country. I would LOVE to be able to - we buy loads of avos. Where are you? If you're way down South, you stand more chance I guess, but basically, I think it's unlikely...they are real heat/sun loving fellas! Well done though!

[Two_Sheds]

The avocado tree can grow to up to 20m tall and take up to 10 years to fruit. It's from Central America, and needs warm humid conditions to stand a chance of fruiting.
Growing Avocados - Fruit Expert (UK)

[free range man]

Thanks for your replies. I thought as much, but worth asking! I'm in Sussex, but its still not the Tropics!

[BrideXIII]

Thanks for your replies. I thought as much, but worth asking! I'm in Sussex, but its still not the Tropics!

i am in Sussex too, and i have grown many from stone, they don't do any better down here really, and are best kept as a house plant, they certainly won't fruit even indoors, and are very susceptible to bad watering habits, I have not had one survive outside as yet.