To grow an avocado from seed, follow these steps: 1. Remove and clean the seed
- Cut open a ripe avocado carefully to avoid damaging the seed.
- Remove the seed and wash off any remaining avocado flesh without removing the brown skin covering the seed
2. Identify the top and bottom of the seed
- The pointier end is the top where the sprout will emerge.
- The flatter end is the bottom where roots will grow
3. Start germination using the water method
- Insert three toothpicks into the seed around its middle at a slight angle to balance it on the rim of a glass or jar.
- Submerge the bottom half of the seed in water, about 2 cm deep
- Place the glass in a warm spot with bright, indirect light.
- Change the water regularly to keep it fresh
4. Wait for the seed to sprout
- It can take 2 to 6 weeks or even longer for the seed to crack and roots to appear.
- Once a taproot about 3 inches long forms and a stem grows, it’s ready to plant
5. Plant the seed in soil
- Fill a 6- to 8-inch pot with well-draining potting soil.
- Plant the seed with the root down and the top half of the seed above soil level
- Water thoroughly but avoid soggy soil; keep soil moist but not wet
6. Care for your avocado plant
- Place in a warm, draft-free spot with bright, indirect light.
- Maintain moderate to high humidity and water when the topsoil starts to dry out
- Fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer
- Prune the growing tip when the stem reaches about 6 inches to encourage bushier growth
Growing an avocado from seed is a slow but rewarding process, often taking several years to bear fruit, if at all. However, it makes a lovely houseplant and a fun educational project
