How to Grow an Avocado Tree from a Seed.

By frank

Rate: (26 Ratings)

The seed in the middle of an Avocado isn't just there to annoy you, you can use it to grow a tree too! This article will explain the process with great detail, and helpful images.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • One avocado (Yes, you can eat if first!)
  • Small container to hold water
  • Water
  • 3 tooth picks
  • Some potting soil

Step1
Eat the avocado. Be careful when removing the seed so that you do no put any cuts in the seed.

From my experience, it doesn't matter what type of avocado you go for. I bought the one I used the first time at Safeway!
Step2
Wash all of the avocado remnants from the seed.
Step3
Poke three toothpicks into the side of the seed so that it can perch, halfway immersed in water, on the rim of your container.

Set the seed with its base (the wider portion) down.
Step4
The seed will germinate within a few months (or sooner if you live in a warm climate).

The water should be changed at least every couple of weeks, before it gets dirty and depleted of oxygen
Step5
Pot your tree into a container with soil.

When you have substantial roots, and the tree has started growing out of the top of the seed, you should replant the seed into soil.

Just get some ordinary potting soil and a relatively large container. A pot with 8-12" diameter should do the trick.
Step6
Plant the tree. Plant the seed so that about half of it is underground.
Step7
Harvest your Crop! (*note - may take a few years :)

Tips & Warnings

  • One way to speed germination in soil is to remove the parchment like seed coat and slice a thin layer from both the top and the bottom of the seed before planting.
  • Keep the Avocado Tree in a Sunny spot.
  • When soil is dry, water. Feed regularly with houseplant food once or twice a month.
  • If the leaves turn yellow, you’re watering it too much. If leaves turn brown, you’re not watering enough. If tree looks sickly, make sure you’re feeding it.
  • If you want a bushy tree, pinch the leaves after it grows every 6 inches.
  • Can be left outside during the summer months.
  • Once you have a 6 inch stem with a couple leaves (this will take several weeks), cut the stem down to 3 inches.
  • Do not let the water get dirty and oxygen depleted. The roots need oxygen to grow.
  • If the leaves get dusty, clean them off with a damp cloth. Dusty leaves restrict the plant's breathing.
  • Don't plant your tree to deep in the soil.

Comments

| View All Comments
Flag This Comment

on 7/12/2008 hehehe.. you go gurl..

Flag This Comment

on 5/13/2008 How Cool! I'm going to try this!! (I'm so excited now)

View All

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article:  How to Grow an Avocado Tree from a Seed.

eHow Member: frank

frank

Authority Authority | 5797 Points

Category: Home & Garden

Articles: See my other articles

Related Ads

Home & Garden

Willi
Meet Willi Galloway eHow’s Home & Garden Expert.