How to Plant an Avocado Pit

Planting an avocado pit is an interesting project for children. They can watch the plant and root system grow. Pits from ordinary avocados purchased at the grocery store can be used. The plant can later be transplanted and grown as an indoor house plant as well. Avocados are a subtropical plant and do not grow outside above zone 8. They can be grown in large containers and moved outside during the warm months and inside during the cold months.

Things You'll Need

• Avocado pit
• Toothpicks
• Charcoal
• Glass jar
• Water
• Container
• Soil

Instructions

Sprouting the Avocado

1. Pierce the pit with three to four toothpicks around the circumference of the pit. The toothpicks should rest on the rim of the glass jar.

2. Fill the jar with water and rest the avocado pit on top. Place a one to two pieces of charcoal in the bottom of the jar. The avocado pit should be half submerged in water.

3. Set in a warm and sunny window and allow to sprout. It can take anywhere between 2 and 6 weeks for the plant to become established and need transplanting.

Transplanting to soil

1. Fill a large container with loose, rich soil. Plant the avocado seedling in the soil so that the roots are well covered.

2. Pinch back the top of the plant to 6 inches once it is one foot tall. This will ensure the plant is full and not leggy.

3. Water the plant regularly and keep the soil moist at all times. Keep the plant in a sunny room that is 70 degrees F year around.

4. Move the plant outside in the warmer months to help make it bloom. Move it inside once the temperature drops below 70 degrees.

Tips & Warnings

• Fertilize with a liquid fertilizer ever 2 weeks.

• Move the plants outdoors gradually so it has time to adjust to the differing temperatures.

References

• The Garden Helper.