How to grow Avocado plant from seed ?
š± How to Grow an Avocado Tree from a Seed
Growing an avocado tree from a seed is not only a fun and rewarding projectāitās also a fascinating one! The large seed gives you a front-row view of the germination process, from the initial crack to root development and sprouting leaves.
You can plant avocado seeds directly in soil, but starting them in water lets you watch the magic happen step-by-step.
š What You'll Need:
- Ripe avocados (the seed/pit inside)
- Kitchen towel or small cloth
- Lidded container
- Clear glass, jam jar, vase, or bottle
- Toothpicks
- Potting soil and a small pot (for later)
š„ Step-by-Step Instructions:
1ļøā£ Prepare the Seed
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā 
Carefully remove the pit without cutting it.
- Rinse well to remove all fruit residue.
- (Optional) Peel off the brown skin to speed up germination. Soak in warm water for a few hours to make peeling easier.
š” Tip: Avocado germination success is pretty high, but not 100%. Try germinating a few seeds for best results!
š Choose Your Germination Method
Method 1: Toothpick + Water
- Identify the top (pointy) and bottom (flat) ends of the seed.
- Insert 3 toothpicks into the seed at a slight downward angle, spaced evenly around its widest point.
- Suspend the seed over a glass of water so the flat base is submerged about 1 cm in water.
- Place on a warm, sunny windowsill.
- Change water weekly and keep the bottom submerged.
Method 2: Wet Cloth + Container
- Wrap the peeled seed in a moist kitchen towel or cloth.
- Place it in a sealed container.
- Store in a warm place.
- Check twice weekly to keep the towel damp and fresh to prevent mold.
š± What Happens Next:
Ā
- 2ā4 Weeks: The seed will splitāthis means germination has begun!
- Taproot emerges: A thick root will grow downward.
- Stem appears: A sprout will rise from the top.
- Leaves grow: Once sprouted, leaves will follow quickly.
š If you used the cloth method, you can transfer the seed to a jar with the toothpick method (or a narrow-necked bottle) once the root is ~1 inch long.
šŖ“ Time to Pot It Up!
When the stem is around 30 cm tall:
- Choose a pot with drainage holes.
- Add a layer of well-draining soil.
- Place the seed in the center, roots down, with the top 1 inch of the seed above soil level.
- Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water well.
āļø Prune for Strength
Use clean scissors to cut the stem back to about 15ā20 cm, just above a leaf node. This helps the plant grow stronger and encourages bushy growth.
šæ Ongoing Care
- Place in bright, indirect light.
- Water regularlyākeep soil moist, not soggy.
- Pinch off new leaves when stems grow another 15 cm to encourage fullness.
- Fertilise with compost or a balanced plant food once per season (spring, summer, and autumn).
- Repot annually to allow more room for growth.
š¤ In winter, your avocado tree goes dormantāskip the fertiliser during this time.
š” Final Tip:
Growing an avocado from seed might take time, but itās a low-cost, high-reward way to bring greenery into your life. Whether or not it eventually bears fruit, your avocado tree will be a leafy, lively companionāand a great conversation starter! And the bigger the pot, the bigger your avocado tree can grow. With patience and care, youāll have a thriving tropical beauty in your own home!