How To: Grow An Avocado Tree

Growing an avocado tree from the stone is one of the most exciting things I have done (that's not even exaggerated... but I am very easily pleased...).

Now, you need to keep in mind that this does not work EVERY time, but it does work, so just keep trying!

Avocado Facts

Avocados contain just 5 grams of fat per serving.

Avocados contain NO cholesterol and NO sodium.

Avocados contain 60% more potassium per ounce than bananas!

Avocados are high in fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium and folate. 

So why WOULDN'T you want to grow your own tree of this yummy fruit?

How to grow your own avocado tree

- Open the avocado & remove the pit from the center. Eat the fruit of the avocado, it's yummy & full of nutrients (see above...)!

- Wash the avocado pit under cool running water, without soap. Rinse it well, then blot it dry.

- Carefully push three toothpicks into the thickest width of avocado. Push the toothpicks into the pit about a 1/2" deep, but it's ok if you push them in deeper or even a little bit less. The toothpicks will help suspend the avocado pit in water, keep the top part of the pit in fresh air & the fat base of the pit under the surface of the water.

- Suspend the pit over a glass filled with water (I used a little pot we have in the kitchen, glasses are like gold dust in our house). The toothpicks will rest on the rim of the glass & hold the pit in place so it doesn't sink to the bottom. Regularly check the water level in the glass & see that the water is covering the fat base of the pit by about an inch. If the water is below that level you'll need to add more.

- Place the glass in a bright windowsill. In about 3-6 weeks the top of the avocado pit will begin to split & a stem sprout will emerge from the top & roots will begin to grow at the base.

- Now you can plant your avocado tree (how exciting!). Fill the soil to about an inch from the top of a flowerpot. Make a small well in the center of the soil & pop the pit in, root-side down. Don't put it too deep... the upper half of the pit should be above the soil line. Firm it into the soil by gently pushing the soil around the base of the pit. The tree's stem & leaves should be straight & pointing up (like a flagpole). 

- Give the soil a drink to water the pit. Water it generously so that the soil is thoroughly moist.

 Giving your avocado tree a bit of TLC

- Keep your tree in a sunny window, the more sun it gets the bigger it will grow.
- Remember to give it frequent light waterings, but don't let the soil get too muddy. If the leaves turn yellow it means that the plant is getting too much watering. So let the tree's soil dry out for a couple of days, then return to light watering.
- Each time the stem grows 6 more inches pinch out the top two sets of leaves. This encourages the plant to grow side shoots & more leaves, making it bushy (& grow lots of yummy avocados).

- Your avocado tree will grow better indoors, but if it's really warm in the summer there is no harm setting it outside to get a bit of fresh air.

- Finally, growing more than 1 avocado tree will help with the pollination, meaning more fruit! However, your avocado tree will not start growing fruit for about 2 or 3 years, so be patient!