avocado

In temperate climate grow under cover in containers at least 30cm (12in) in diameter using soil based compost such as John Innes No.3 with added sharp sand. Maintain temperatures of 20-28°C (68-82°F) and high humidity. Apply balanced liquid feed every 2-3 weeks

Propagate by seed. Soak undamaged seed in hot for 30 minutes at 40-52°C (104-125°F). Cut a thin slice from the pointed end of the seed. Sow individually in moist sandy compost with the cut end slightly above the soil surface and keep at 20-25°C (68-77°F). Cultivars are propagated by grafting

Glasshouse whitefly, thrips and glasshouse red spider mite and mealybug may be a problem

Can suffer from fungal leafspots and root rots Phytophthora