How to Grow Avocado Trees from Cuttings Using Citrus, Shallots, and Coffee Bean Extract
If you’re looking for a natural and effective way to multiply avocado trees, you’ll be pleased to know that growing avocados from cuttings is not only possible but also highly rewarding. With just a few natural ingredients and simple materials, you can encourage strong root and shoot development using citrus, shallots, and even coffee bean extract.
This eco-friendly method is perfect for home gardeners who want to reproduce avocado trees quickly—whether for personal use, reforestation efforts, or as a potential business venture.
Step 1: Select and Prepare the Avocado Cutting
The first step is selecting a healthy cutting from a mature avocado tree. Choose a semi-hardwood branch—firm but not overly woody—about 6 to 8 inches in length. The cutting should have at least two or three leaf nodes and a few healthy leaves at the top.
Use sharp, sterilized pruning shears to make a clean cut just below a node. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting to reduce water loss and prepare it for planting.
Step 2: Use Shallots to Stimulate Root Growth
Shallots are rich in natural enzymes and growth compounds that help stimulate root development. To create a rooting solution from shallots:
- Peel and chop 1–2 shallots.
- Blend them with a small amount of water until smooth.
Strain the mixture using a fine mesh or cloth to obtain a concentrated liquid.
Dip the base of the avocado cutting in this solution and let it soak for 30–60 minutes. This natural treatment helps activate the rooting process and provides essential nutrients.
Step 3: Boost Root Growth with Citrus
Citrus fruits—especially oranges—are excellent sources of vitamin C and natural acids that help stimulate cell division and rooting. Slice an orange and squeeze a small amount of juice into a container. Mix this juice with a bit of water to dilute it slightly.
After treating the cutting with shallot extract, you can dip the base into the orange juice mixture for an additional boost. This step strengthens the cutting and increases the chances of successful root formation.
Step 4: Prepare the Planting Medium
For rooting avocado cuttings, sand is an ideal medium. It provides excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture to keep the cutting hydrated.
Fill a pot or tray with clean, coarse sand. Rinse the sand beforehand to remove any debris or salts. Use a container with proper drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Insert the prepared cutting into the moist sand, burying about half of its length. Gently press the sand around the base to secure the cutting upright.
Step 5: Apply Coffee Bean Extract as a Rooting Hormone
Coffee beans contain caffeine and other compounds that can help stimulate plant growth. You can create a natural rooting hormone from coffee bean extract by:
- Grinding fresh, unroasted coffee beans.
- Boiling them in a small amount of water for about 10–15 minutes.
- Allowing the mixture to cool, then straining the liquid.
Once cool, pour a small amount around the base of the cutting, soaking into the sand. This extract helps support root development and acts as a mild natural fertilizer.
Step 6: Maintain Proper Conditions
After planting, place the pot in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, which can dry out the cutting and damage new growth. Avocado cuttings thrive in warm, humid environments.
Water the cutting at least twice a day—once in the morning and once in the evening. Use a spray bottle or gentle watering can to keep the sand consistently moist, but not soggy.
To further improve humidity, consider covering the pot with a clear plastic bag or dome, leaving space for air circulation. This creates a mini-greenhouse effect that helps the cutting root faster.
Step 7: Monitor Progress and Transplant
After about 20 days, check the progress of your avocado cutting. You should begin to notice the shoot thickening and expanding. Gently uncover a bit of sand around the base—if roots are visible, your cutting has successfully taken hold.
Once strong roots and new shoots have developed, you can transplant the young avocado plant into a larger pot with rich, well-draining soil. Continue watering regularly and slowly transition the plant into partial sunlight as it acclimates.
Conclusion
Growing avocado trees from cuttings using natural ingredients like shallots, citrus, and coffee bean extract is a smart, sustainable, and rewarding method. It’s ideal for gardeners seeking a chemical-free approach to propagation, and with just a little time and attention, you can multiply your avocado trees efficiently at home.
Whether you’re aiming to create a backyard orchard or start a small business, this method provides an easy and affordable way to produce healthy avocado plants. Try it for yourself and enjoy watching your cuttings thrive!
