Learn how to grow your own avocado tree from the pit in the center of the fruit.
You’ll also find essential care tips for your new avocado tree in this step-by-step guide.
Carefully slice open an avocado fruit, taking care not to damage the seed in the process.
Credit:Jason Donnelly
Stick toothpicks into the seed.
Then poke two to three more toothpicks into the seed so the toothpicks are equally distributed.
Place the seed into water.
Credit:Marty Baldwin
Fill the jar with water so that about an inch of the seed is submerged.
Leave the top end of the seed open to the air.
Set the glass somewhere warm but away from direct sunlight.
Change water every few days.
Ensure there’s always about 1 inch of water covering the bottom end of the seed.
Every four or five days, completely change the water in the jar to avoid bacterial buildup.
Cut the stem back.
If nothing happens after eight weeks, hit it one more time with another seed.
Plant the seedling in a pot.
Water deeply whenever the soil feels dry to the touch.
Water more frequently when the plant is kept outside in warm, dry weather.
Pruning
Prune your young avocado treeregularly.
Every time it grows another 6 inches tall, cut back the top two sets of leaves.
When the plant reaches 12 inches, cut it back to 6 inches.
When it reaches 18 inches, cut it back to 12 inches, and so forth.
This encourages bushier growth.
Use fresh potting mix when repotting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mature avocado trees planted outside reach 15 to 35 feet tall.
Whengrown indoors, these treeswill stay smaller, especially with regular pruning.
When the tree is planted in optimal conditions, it could outlive you.
Avocado trees have been known to live for hundreds of years.
