The seed is oblong but has one end flatter than the other - that is the root end. smjean - if you let the seed dry out prior to planting or submerging in water the seed coat peels of easily. It can take months to start an advocado but once they start you get a big plant fast! Tina

Sometimes a plant will drop some older leaves when new growth is starting. I'm just guessing here but I think some older leaves drop because the new growth pushes out from where the old leaves were attached to the stem. If you do have new growth pushing out, you should be fine. I try Not to fertilize any tree that has been transplanted unless its with B1 or some other fertilizer made specifically for transplant shock. When you put a new tree into the ground, be sure to keep it well watered while it is adapting and sending out new roots but also be carefull that you don't drown it also. Good luck with your avocado!

When I buy avocados, I choose the greenest I can find. That way I know that they aren't likely to have been squeezed by anyone. Any time one is squeezed, it will cause a bruise. Even a small bruise can ruin the flavor of an otherwise perfect looking avocado. I buy them a couple of days before I plan to use them, and I put them in a bowl on the counter. I don't put them in a bag. For sure don't leave them in a plastic bag, like from the produce section. When they turn dark, they are ripe. That usually takes a couple of days. If I want to use them mashed, I might wait another day, but usually two days are okay. There are only wonderful avocados and terrible ones. There is nothing in between.

I put her there for scale. She was more than happy to pose : ) The tree is a Wurtz, or a Littlecado. I have heard that the Littlecado is not the best tasting variety, but I was attracted to it because they do well in containers. In containers, I also have a Lamb Hass, Hawaiian Malama and a Hawaiian Kahaluu, but they are super tiny and I'm eventually going to put one of the Hawaiian ones in the ground. The Malama and the Kahaluu are considered to be prize-winning taste here on the islands and are preferred by the local chefs over most other varieties out there. I can't wait!