How to Grow an Avocado Pit in Coffee

Tasty, tropical avocados can be easily grown from seed.

The avocado is one of the world's favorite fruits. Beyond the thick, bumpy skin lies a rich, buttery, green flesh and a large, pithy seed. Though many choose to discard the avocado seed, industrious gardeners often use the pit to propagate new avocado trees. They simply suspend the pit in water, then transplanting the seedling to a rich, organic growing medium and protect it from the cold. Those with plants that seem to be struggling can amend the planting medium to suit the particular needs of the avocado tree by incorporating organic materials, such as old coffee grounds, into the soil.

Things You'll Need

• Avocado pit
• 3 to 4 toothpicks
• Tall, narrow glass or jar
• 10-inch pot
• Commercial potting soil
• 1/4 cup old coffee grounds

Instructions

1. Remove the seed from a ripe avocado. Soak the pit in tepid water for 24 to 48 hours, then wipe the seed with a soft cloth or sponge to remove any lingering bits of flesh or fruit.

2. Insert three to four toothpicks into the pit spacing them evenly around the center of the seed.

3. Fill a tall, narrow glass or jar 3/4 full with lukewarm water. Center the avocado seed over the rim of the glass, submerging the rounded end in the water, then set the glass in a warm location.

4. Check the seed each day and add water, if needed. In order to germinate, the bottom 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the pit must remain wet at all times; when the first leaves emerge, move the avocado to a sunny window.

5. Transplant the seedling when the main stem reaches approximately 6 inches in height. Fill a 10-inch pot with commercial potting soil, make a well in the center of the pot, then carefully place the seedling in the well. Press lightly on the soil to firm the medium around the stem, holding the plant in place.

6. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of used coffee grounds around the base of the avocado plant once every four weeks. The grounds break down gradually, providing the roots of the plant with an ongoing source of essential nutrients. Additionally, coffee is naturally acidic and will reduce the pH of the potting soil; potting soil tends to be neutral by design.

Tips & Warnings

• To keep the avocado from becoming leggy and thin, pinch off new shoots periodically. As new shoots emerge, simply pinch off the last inch or so of the stem. The plant will respond by sending out more shoots, creating a sturdier, bushier plant.

References

• California Avocado Commission: Growing Avocado Trees
• Purdue University Department of Horticulture; Avocado; Julia F. Morton; 1987
• "New Complete Guide to Gardening"; Susan A. Roth; 1997