I think I just got spoilt to Joe's grafting knife.. when I switched to the X-acto knife my hand was clumsy even though this was what I used to do the first few grafts.. But I had done probably a dozen and half grafts with the grafting knife just week or two before.. I think that pratice is a key thing.. so your hand is acustomed to the feel of what ever you use..
Do a few dry runs with branches off a tree outside that needs pruned.. clip the branches and put T in it and put a bud from same branch in the T.. also gets your hands use to handeling the small bud.. Ok so I'm a klutz and need the pratice.. Or Joe's knife is just enchanted??
Yes Please post pics of your grafted Avocado!! I'm wanting to do Avocados next.. I have a seed that is just now sprouting.. maybe by next fall I'll be able to graft it??

Gina *BabyBlue*

Gina, from the time I planted the seeds (last Jan), they were ready to graft onto in August...7 months. Here's the Little Cado that took on Haas rootstock. Taken today..exactly 3 months later. You can see 2 sprouts & there is a 3rd behind it. Top is still sealed w/tape.
Should I nip the 3rd one for more energy to the 2 or just leave it (anyone?)?


Here is Holiday on Reed stock. It turned brown while I was at expo boo hoo.

How long from sprouting?? I planted my seeds a few months back.. two have split open to start growing just this last week..
I tried two different methods.. I did the glass with water method (2) and 1 planted in soil (peat pellet).. The first one to split open was one in peat pellet it is doing great.. the other two were in glass of water and a few days after the first one split open one of the ones in water split open.. unfortunately I went to water it and bumped it and it broke in two.. I have put both halves in a pellet but not sure if it will work now that it is broken.. I moved the last seed to a pellet so I don't risk breaking it too.. it has yet to split open but is healthy looking..

Gina *BabyBlue*

If I remember, the Reed (huge florida avo) sprouted faster than Haas. Only took 2-3 weeks for it to split. Works much better for me in water. Hope you don't put them in sun..I keep the jar under cabinet - no sun. The one that split won't grow - I tried that too & threw it out. I just planted another Reed about 5 days ago...I'll let you know when it splits.
I also keep it in water 'till I see the top start to sprout..sometimes the root can be 6 inches, & then plant in mix with the top showing a little.
I still don't know if I should nip that 3rd bud. Good luck Gina.

I put mine on top of fridge with rooting cuttings.. nice and warm and no direct sun light..
I started a few more.. I found Hass on sale at store for 2 for .79c!!! and they were good!!
My oldest son decided he wanted to give his Girlfriends mom an avocado plant as a present.. so one will be a gift for her.. He asked if I could have one ready by Christmas.. LOL I told him probably not till next Christmas.. He pouted.. he looks so pathetic when he pouts...
any one have an Avocado plant they want to get rid of so an 18 yr old can impress his GF mom??
Ok.. now I can tell him I've asked.. LOL
Gina *BabyBlue*

Just noticed my avo. seed split. Planted it 17 days ago in water. This is Reed avo seed. The Haas didn't split yet. If you can get a Reed (called 'Florida'), let it get very ripe before planting. I think that's why it split so soon ...over ripe. Reeds are huge & green when ripe. Also has a shiny skin. The seed is 4 times the size of Haas. I'm sure it split couple days ago -- split is 3/4 way around & I can see some root already.
How's yours?

I have yet to see any thing other than Haas sold around here.. But then around here they don't always put the real names with the proper fruit.. Look at the sign says Florida grapefruit and look at tag on the fruit and it says TX.. LOL Guess they figure it's all the same..
I will get some pics of my seedling that has sprouted and maybe a few pics of the ones that I just planted.. I had one that started to split just a few days after planting it!!! no signs of sprout yet.. but it is exciting it split so quickly!!

Gina *BabyBlue*