Stop Buying Avocados. Here’s How to Grow an Avocado Tree from Seed

Growing an avocado tree from seed can be a fun and rewarding project, and it’s a sustainable way to enjoy avocados without buying them from the store. Here are the steps to grow an avocado tree from a seed:

Materials You’ll Need:

Ripe avocado
Knife
Toothpicks
Glass or jar
Pot with well-draining soil
Sunny location
Steps:

Select a Ripe Avocado: Choose a ripe avocado from the grocery store. It should be soft to the touch but not overripe or mushy.

Remove the Seed: Carefully cut the avocado in half lengthwise. Twist the halves apart, and you’ll find a large seed (also called a pit) inside. Remove the seed from the avocado flesh without damaging it.

Clean the Seed: Rinse the seed under cool water to remove any remaining avocado flesh. Be gentle, as you don’t want to damage the seed’s outer covering.

Insert Toothpicks: Insert three or four toothpicks into the seed at equal intervals, about halfway down the seed’s sides. These toothpicks will help suspend the seed in water.

Suspend the Seed: Place the toothpick-end of the seed into a glass or jar filled with water. The toothpicks should rest on the rim of the glass, allowing the seed to be partially submerged in the water. Make sure the pointed end of the seed is facing upward.

Change the Water: Keep the glass or jar in a warm, sunny location, such as a windowsill. Change the water every few days to ensure it stays fresh. The seed should begin to sprout roots and a stem in a few weeks to a couple of months.

Plant in Soil: Once the stem reaches about 6 inches (15 cm) in length and has developed a few leaves, it’s time to plant it in a pot with well-draining soil. Leave the top half of the seed exposed above the soil line.

Care for Your Avocado Tree: Place the potted avocado tree in a sunny location, and water it regularly but avoid overwatering. Avocado trees prefer well-draining soil and bright, indirect sunlight.

Transplanting: As the tree grows, you may need to transplant it to a larger pot or, eventually, plant it in your garden if you live in a suitable climate. Avocado trees can grow quite large, so consider your available space.

Be Patient: Growing an avocado tree from seed is a slow process, and it may take several years before it produces fruit, if it ever does. Not all avocado trees grown from seed will bear fruit, and the fruit may not be identical to the parent avocado you used for the seed.

Remember that avocados are tropical trees and require a warm and sunny environment to thrive. If you live in a colder climate, you may need to grow your avocado tree indoors or in a greenhouse. Growing an avocado tree from seed is a fun project, even if it doesn’t yield fruit, as it allows you to experience the growth and development of a unique plant.