Advocado stones

[mogs]

Has anyone had any success with planting a stone from an advocado?   I've tried a few times leaving the stone in some water, after cutting the bottom off but nothing happens.

I would be pleased to even get a nice houseplant from one if that is possible.

Also, being new to the SW of France, what time of year do you start planting  radishes, carrots, parsnips etc.   Is it about a month before the date recommended for the UK, being as the climate should be better here?

Many thanks

[mogs]

Sorry about spelling, I should say avocado, just checked.

[Clair]

I used to do that as a child, but no cutting involved.

Make sure you use an undamaged stone (no knife cut), clean it carefully and dry its surface.

Stick  three matches or tooth picks into the base of the stone at regular intervals, so as to be able to keep the bottom of the stone into a glass of water without it resting on the bottom of the container.

Another method is to pot the stone point up halfway into some compost.

You'll need to pinch the stem regularly, s it does grow straight up rather than bushy.

[mogs]

Thanks Clair I'll give that a go,but, how do you get a matchstick into the stone without causing it damage?   That must be a trade secret!

[Clair]

You don't need to stick them in deeply, just enough to hold the stone into the water like this: http://thisisedible.files.wordpress.com/2007/02/avocado.JPG?w=300

[mogs]

aww, thanks Clair that photo is the job!