Question
QUESTION: We grew a avocado plant from the pit.  The plant is in a container and it is about 4 inches high.  Every time it grows new leaves the other leaves fall off, so there are only two leaves at the top of the plant.  We have never pruned the plant. Just wondering if you know what is wrong with our plant and how we can help it.

Thanks
Sandra Little Green Thumbs in the Class Room

ANSWER: Hi Sandra, you may have potted it up too soon, but without more info, like how long it grew in water before the transition to soil, and if you changed the water daily etc. it is hard for me to determine the problem. Let me know these things and I will help you out. Nick

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QUESTION: We kept it in water for at least 8 weeks.  We did not change the water everyday.  A student took the plant home over the summer and just returned it to school 2 weeks ago (nov 21).  We are trying to germinate 2 more avocado pits (one in water, which we are changing and one in a wet paper towel in a plastic bag)  The pit in the paper towel has cracked before the pit in the water.  How long does the root have to be before we plant it in soil?  We have also germinated orange, grapefruit, lemon and apple seeds which are growing as plants.  We are trying to germinate a pomegranate seed.  We are also going to try cherry and pear.  Do you know of any other seeds (from the foods we eat) that we could try to germinate and grow?  

Thanks
Sandra Little Green Thumbs in the Class Room

Answer
....try cutting it back an inch, this may stimulate new and stronger growth; once it has set a crown of 4-6 leaves, you can transfer it to a small container. Try "Papaya", dry the seeds for several days to a week and they will grow nicely into tropical plants, if grown now, they can be moved outside and put in the ground in Spring, you may get a few fruit to grow this way, but come Winter, it will be killed by the cold; it usually takes about 9 months to produce fruit from seed under ideal conditions, but it is a beutiful plant even if no fruit is developed.