How to Grow Your Own Avocado Tree

Start Your Own Science Experiment at Home or in the Classroom

Eating avocados? Be sure to save the seed pit. You can actually sprout the seed pit and grow your own avocado tree, right at home. This is a fun family project or even an excellent classroom learning opportunity.

Here's how to do it.

Prepare the Pit.

First, wash the avocado seed pit completely. Clean off all of the pulp. Dry the pit well with clean paper toweling. Stick three or four sturdy wooden toothpicks deep into the pit.

Fill a glass jar with clear lukewarm tap water. Suspend the pit in the glass, with the rounded end pointing upwards. (The flatter end of the pit will sit in the water.)

Place the glass in a warm spot. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight. Check it daily to make sure the water level is high enough. The bottom of the avocado pit should always be submerged.

Watch It Grow.

With two to three weeks, you will begin to see roots appearing under the avocado pit. After a month or so, you may see a brand-new stem sprouting from the top.

As leaves begin to appear, you will want to pinch these off gently and discard them. This will encourage the avocado plant to grow a stronger stem and well-established root system.

Pot Your New Plant.

When the stem reaches 6" to 8" in height, you can pot your avocado tree. Fill a 10" clay or terra cotta pot with rich potting soil. Gently nestle the avocado plant into the soil. Cover half of the pit with additional soil. Be sure to leave the top half still exposed.

Place your avocado plant in a sunny, warm spot.

Water It Often.

Water your avocado plant frequently, keeping the soil damp but not sloppy wet. (If the plant's leaves begin to turn yellow, reduce watering.)

Wait for Results.

Most avocado plants require six to twelve years of growth before they flourish sufficiently to bear fruit. Still, you can enjoy a lovely plant and feel the satisfaction of cultivating and planting it yourself!