How to Grow an Avocado From a Seed Pit at Home

Grow an avocado tree from a seed pit.

Originally from southern Mexico, avocados are tropical fruits prized for rich, creamy flavor and health benefits. Although you can grow a young avocado tree purchased from a nursery, consider cultivating it from its seed pit. Not only is the process inexpensive, it is rewarding to see a new plant develop from a seed pit. With patience and careful attention, the pit develops roots and grows into a young seedling you can transplant to a large pot or directly to its desired planting site in your garden or yard.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp knife
• Paper towels
• 4 toothpicks
• Glass, 6-oz
• Pot, 6-inch
• Quality potting soil

Instructions

1. Remove the seed from the avocado fruit using a sharp knife. Rinse the seed under running water to remove pulp, and leave to dry on paper towels.

2. Hold the seed with its wide end pointing down, and insert three to four toothpicks 1/2-inch deep through it. Space the toothpicks evenly apart along the center of the seed.

3. Lower the pit in the center of a 6-oz glass with its wide end facing the base. The toothpicks inserted along its center suspend the seed along the rim of the glass. If necessary, push the toothpicks deeper into the seed so they hold it up.

4. Pour water into the glass until the bottom half of the seed remains submersed. Ensure the pointed end of the seed above the toothpicks remains above the water surface. Place the glass in a warm spot with indirect light and a temperature between 65 and 80 degrees F.

5. Inspect the level of water in the glass every day and refill whenever needed to ensure the lower half of the seed remains submerged at all times. After a few weeks, you will notice a tiny shoot emerging from the pointed end of the seed and roots developing from its submerged wide end. Tiny leaves appear on the shoot as it matures.

6. Transplant the seed to a pot when its main stem emerges and roots measure 2 to 3 inches in length. Add quality potting soil to a 6-inch pot and water lightly until evenly moist. Make an indent in the center of the potting soil with your fingers before removing the seed from the water and pulling out the toothpicks.

7. Set the roots over the base of the indent and cover the lower half of the seed with soil, ensuring the top half remains exposed above soil surface. Move the pot to a bright location and water daily. Water the growing avocado frequently so the soil remains evenly moist at all times.

Tips & Warnings

• Avocado seeds can take up to five months to germinate, or less if the lower end remains submerged at all times.

• You can also grow the avocado seed in soil instead of water. Add all-purpose potting mix to a 10-inch pot with drainage holes. Insert the lower end of the seed into the mix, ensuring 1 inch of its top pointed end is exposed above the soil surface. Water the potting soil until evenly moist and place in a warm but brightly lit spot. Water the soil whenever its surface feels dry. Transplant the seedling once the main stem and roots develop.

References

• California Rare Fruit Growers; Growing Avocados From Seed; Lee Reich; 1998
• Iowa State University Extension; Sprouting An Avocado Seed; Richard Jauron; 1999
• University of Nebraska at Lincoln: Start Avocado Seeds
• California Avocado Commission: Fun Avocado Facts
• Golden Harvest Organics: Germinating and Growing Avocados as House Plants