Things You'll Need:
- Avocado seed
- Toothpicks
- Mason jar
- 8-inch or larger planting pot
- Potting soil
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Step 1
Remove the seed from a ripe avocado being careful to not damage the seed coating. Rinse the seed under lukewarm water to remove any remaining avocado pulp.
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Step 2
Turn the avocado seed with the pointed end facing upward and push three toothpicks into the middle of the seed at equidistant points around the seed. Push the toothpicks in at least a 1/2-inch to give the seed stability.
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Step 3
Place the seed across the top of a Mason jar. The toothpicks will keep the seed from falling in. Fill the Mason jar with water until the bottom inch of the seed is sitting in water. If the water is from a chlorinated source, as most tap water is, allow it to sit in the Mason jar for at least an hour before adding the seed so that the chlorine dissipates.
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Step 4
Set the jar in a sunny window and check it daily to ensure that the bottom of the seed is still covered with water. Never let the seed dry out. Within 3 to 5 weeks, roots and a stem will start to sprout. When the stem is about 6 inches high, cut it off at a 3-inch height to encourage side shoots. When the stem grows again to 8 inches high, cut it back to a 4-inch height.
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Step 5
Plant the avocado tree in an 8-inch or larger pot. Fill the pot two thirds full of compost or commercial potting soil. Set the seedling on top of the soil, spreading out the roots in a circle. Add more soil until the pot is three quarters full. Press down soil lightly around the seedling. Add more soil until the pot is once again three quarters full. Water thoroughly.
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Step 6
Locate the avocado tree in a warm sunny location. If the avocado tree is placed outside, make sure that it is out of wind and that there is no danger of frost. Keep the avocado tree inside during cool periods. Keep the avocado tree well-watered and fertilize twice a year with a balanced fertilizer.
