Growing an avocado tree from a pit can be fun and rewarding but requires patience. While it’s possible to grow an avocado tree from a seed, it may take several years before the tree produces fruit. This process begins with extracting the seed from the fruit, carefully cleaning it, and then germinating in water or directly planting it in soil. The tree may not produce high-quality fruit, as it’s essentially a clone of the parent tree, but it’s an exciting way to grow your plant.
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For the best success, you can graft your avocado tree or buy a grafted seedling from a garden centre to speed up the process. Most avocado trees require two varieties to self-pollinate and yield fruit. Still, hand-pollination may be necessary. If you’re growing your avocado indoors, ensure the plant gets plenty of sunlight and space to grow, as it can reach impressive heights. Even if your tree doesn’t yield fruit quickly, it will still make a beautiful and unique addition to your home.
The tree will begin to split its seed and emerge as roots, and a stem will appear. Over time, the tree will grow strong, but it typically takes a few years to mature enough for fruit-bearing. With time, care, and the right conditions, your avocado tree can thrive and yield delicious fruit!
How to Grow an Avocado from Pit
Seed preparation
Remove the seed: Carefully cut the avocado in half using a knife, avoiding cutting too deep into the seed. Twist the halves apart to remove the seed gently.
Clean the seed: Use a spoon to scoop out any remaining flesh. Rinse the seed under water to remove any clinging bits, but be careful not to peel off the brown outer skin as it protects the seed.
Prepare for germination: Insert toothpicks into the seed at even intervals, about one-third of the way down, just below the grooves. Position the seed with the pointed end facing upwards and the flat end facing downward.
Submerge the seed: Place the seed over a glass of water, ensuring the bottom is submerged by about one inch. The top of the seed should remain above the water.
Place in the right environment: For the best results, place the seed in a bright, indirect light location and maintain warm temperatures between 75°F and 85°F.
Monitor and maintain: Keep the water level steady, consistently submerging the seed by about one inch. Change the water every few days to avoid mold and keep the environment fresh.
Wait for germination: In 8 weeks to 5 months, the seed should develop a tap root, crack open, and sprout. Once this happens, it can be transplanted into potting soil for further growth.
Another method for seed preparation
Clean the seed: Rinse the seed under running water to remove any remaining flesh. Use a soft brush or cloth to clean it thoroughly.
Wrap the seed: Place the cleaned seed in a damp tea towel and wrap it carefully.
Store the seed: Wrap the seed in a plastic food bag and store it in a dark cupboard at room temperature, around 70°F (21°C). This helps maintain warmth so the seed can start sprouting.
Check the seed: Set a phone calendar reminder to check the seed every four days to ensure the paper towel stays damp. After several weeks, check for signs of germination.
Wait for root development: The seed will crack open, and a root will grow. Once the root reaches about 3 inches, it can be transplanted into a flower pot with soil.
Plant the seed: Once the root has developed, carefully plant the seed in a pot, handling it gently as the roots are delicate.
Not all seeds sprout simultaneously, so be patient and wait for the strongest root system to develop.
Plant the Sprouted Seed in Soil
Once your avocado seed has sprouted and the root is about 3 inches long with several sets of leaves, it’s time to transplant it into the soil. Start by filling a pot with well-draining soil, ensuring the bottom of the sprouted seed is one-third to one-half buried. Place the pot in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Water the soil thoroughly, ensuring it stays moist but not soggy. This will give your plant the best start for growth.
After planting the seed, allow it to grow in the soil for six to eight weeks. Once it reaches a few sets of leaves, you can pinch the growing tip to encourage bushier growth and branching. Keep the plant well-watered, and ensure it has adequate light and proper care. As the avocado plant grows, it will thrive with regular attention, eventually developing into a healthy, branching tree.
Avocado Plant Care
Location and Light Requirements
It needs the right environment and care to keep your avocado plant happy and thriving. Avocado trees love warmth and sunlight, so place your plant in a warm, sunny location with at least six hours of bright, indirect light each day. If growing indoors, a large, south-facing window or near a sliding glass door is ideal. The temperature should be between 60°F and 85°F for the best growth.
Watering
Water your avocado plant frequently, ensuring the soil is kept moist but not soggy. Occasionally, give it a deep soak to help the roots establish. The soil should drain well to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing
To support your plant’s growth, fertilize it with a low-phosphorous NPK fertilizer, like 8-3-10, every 4 to 6 weeks. To encourage lateral growth and a bushier appearance, pinch the stem when it reaches about six inches.
Growing Outdoors
If you’re growing the plant outside in a warm enough climate, give it plenty of space once it’s big enough to mature. Be patient; your avocado plant can take many years to bear fruit. Your avocado tree can thrive and produce delicious fruit with the right care!
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Final Observations
Growing an avocado from the pit can be fun and rewarding, though it requires patience. While it may take several years before the tree begins to bear fruit, the excitement of watching it grow makes the wait worthwhile. Proper care, including giving it enough sunlight, water, and nutrients, will help the plant thrive. Even if it doesn’t produce fruit immediately, the avocado tree can still be a beautiful addition to your home or garden. With time, it may reward you with delicious fruit!
FAQs
Q- How long does it take to get an avocado from a pit?
It can take anywhere from 8 weeks to 5 months for an avocado pit to sprout and develop roots.
Q- Which side of an avocado seed goes in water?
The pointed end of the avocado seed should face upwards, and the flat end should be submerged in water.
Q- How do you root an avocado pit in water?
To root an avocado pit in water, insert toothpicks into the seed and suspend it over a glass of water with the bottom submerged, keeping it in a warm, sunny spot.
Q- Why won’t my avocado pit sprout?
Several reasons include the seed being too old, not receiving enough warmth or light, or improperly placed in water. Be patient and check the water level regularly.
