The History and Benefits of Avocados
Avocados have a rich history and are well known for their numerous health benefits. They are a absolutely phenomenal source of vitamins and minerals, and can be used in a wide variety of dishes and dips. On top of all that, growing your own avocado plant is just a totally fun and rewarding experience.
Preparing the Seed
First things first, you'll need a ripe avocado. After enjoying the fruit, clean the avocado seed (also known as the avocado pit or avocado core) thoroughly to totally remove any remnants of flesh. Important note: Take special care that you don't damage the seed during this process! Next, use a sharp knife to gently score a small line around the circumference of the seed, (being careful not to cut too deeply into the seed). Grip both halves of the seed then twist them in opposite directions to separate them.
While it's fun to use a leftover seed from an avocado you previously ate, commercial seeds have been processed and treated to be disease-free to ensure successful growth, whereas fresh pits may carry diseases or pests that could harm the sprouted plant. Additionally, commercially produced seeds are specifically bred for better yields and fruit quality.
Sprouting the Seed
There are several methods to sprout an avocado seed. The most popular one and my personal favorite is known as the water method, where you suspend the broad end of the pit in a jar of water using toothpicks. Once place, find the jar in a warm, sunny spot to sit in and wait for the magic to happen. The seed should start sprouting roots and a small stem in two to six weeks.
Want to go another route? How about the damp paper towel method. Wrap the seed up in a damp paper towel, then place it in a plastic bag, and finally store it in a dark, warm spot. Check in on your seed every few days to make sure the paper towel stays damp.
And hey, one more for the road, you can always try the direct soil method. Simply plant the seed directly in a pot filled with potting mix. This method can be a bit hit or miss, but it's worth a go if you happen to prefer a more natural approach.
Planting the Sprouted Seed
Once the roots have started to grow thick and the stem has some leaves, it's now time to plant the sprouted seed! Choose a pot (with good drainage) and fill it with a quality potting mix. Plant the seed with the root facing down, leaving half the seed still exposed above the soil.
Caring for Your Avocado Plant
Place your avocado plant in a warm, sunny location. Avocado plants thrive in the sunlight. (so do I, actually in case you're wondering). Water frequently with an occasional deep soak. The name of the game here is to keep your avocado plant moist but not overly saturated. As is the case with most plants, make sure the soil is able to drain well.
Common Issues and Solutions
Like any other houseplant, avocado plants can experience a few common issues. Leaf drop and browning can be quite common with seasonal changes indoors. Changes to light or the humidity can make the plant sulk: leaves may even turn brown and drop. Don't give up! Avocado, like most plants, tend to rebound when the conditions improve.
Understanding the Growth Process
Growing an avocado plant from seed can definitely feel like slow process, because well, it is. The plant will continue to grow and develop over time. Your plant might eventually bear fruit, it could take many years with the average time to go from a seed to even just a tiny little avocado could take as long as 8-10 years.
Top Recommended Products for Growing Avocado from Seed at Home
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AvoSeedo Avocado Tree Growing Kit: This is a super practical kit for growing your own avocado tree at home. It's really easy to use with an impressively high success rate. It's the perfect kit for kids and adults and can even be used for educational purposes as well.
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Biggun Avocado Tree Growing Kit: This is a uniquely cute avocado growing kit that makes your planting activities even more fun. Suitable for both kids and adults alike.
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Fiskars Steel Bypass Pruning Shears: The ideal shears for cutting those stems and light branches. It has an easy-open lock that protects the blade during transport & storage.
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Edward Tools Bend-Proof Garden Trowel: This is a heavy duty stainless steel trowel with solid wood handle and a bend-proof design. A durable tool for digging and planting.
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Garden Gloves with Claws: Waterproof and puncture-resistant to protect your hands, and the built-in claws will change how you think about how easy it can be to dig and plant, even without hand tools.
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Radius 7 Piece Stainless Steel Heavy Duty Garden Tools Set: This comprehensive set has everything you need for a number of various gardening tasks. Includes a trowel, transplanter, weeder, pruner, cultivator, and a tote bag. Great value if you're just getting started and don't have a wide range of tolls yet.
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H> Garden Kneeder & Seat: Multi-functional kneeler, when flipped over doubles as a seat. Includes two useful tool pouches.
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FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil: This potting soil is a powerhouse blend of premium earthworm castings, bat guano, and Pacific Northwest sea-going fish and crab meal. Composted forest humus, sandy loam, and sphagnum peat moss give Ocean Forest its light, aerated texture. It's perfect for container plantings and it's ready to use right out of the bag. It has a pH adjusted at 6.3 to 6.8 to allow for optimum fertilizer uptake to help your avocado plants thrive.
Avocados in the Kitchen: Usage and Recipes
Of course, avocados aren't just for growing; they're also delicious and versatile in the kitchen. From avocado toast to guacamole, there are countless ways to enjoy this nutritious fruit. Here's some of our favorite avocado recipes we hope will inspire you're next meal!
Avocado Breakfast Bowl Kickstart
Turkey, Greens & Avocado Wraps
Cucumber & Avocado Salad
Grow an Avocado from Seed Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is an avocado seed?
A: An avocado seed is the pit (or stone) found inside the fruit of an avocado. Typically an avocado seed is around 2 inches long and 1 inch wide, and has a brown, hard outer shell.
Some people use avocado seeds for culinary purposes, (such as in smoothies or even as a thickener for soups and sauces). Avocado seeds also have many potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation and preventing cancer, although admittedly, more research is needed to confirm these claims.
According to the USDA, per capita consumption of avocados has tripled since the early 2000s!
Q: Can I grow an avocado tree from seed?
A: Yes, while difficult and time consuming you can absolutely grow an avocado tree from seed using a few different methods, see above!
Q: How do I plant an avocado seed?
A: To plant an avocado seed, wash & dry the seed, then suspend it over a glass of water using toothpicks so that just the bottom half of the seed is submerged in water. Change up the water every couple of days and wait for the seed to sprout, which will happen in about 2-6 weeks depending on a variety of conditions.
Q: What is the toothpick method for growing an avocado seed?
A: The toothpick method is another name for the water method (detailed above) but in short involves suspending the pit of the avocado over a glass of water using toothpicks. This allows only the bottom half of the seed to be submerged in underwater. This method is popularly used to sprout the seed before moving onto planting it in soil.
Q: How long does it take for an avocado seed to sprout?
A: It typically takes two to three weeks on average for an avocado seed to sprout using the toothpick method (aka the water method).
Q: Can I grow an avocado tree indoors?
A: Yes, while tricky, you can absolutely grow an avocado tree indoors. Just ensure it receives the proper amount of sunlight and is placed in a suitably warm spot. As a point of reference, Mexico produces around 30% of the world’s avocados, so keep it toasty!
Q: When can an avocado tree from seed bear fruit?
A: Incredibly, it can take up to 10 years for an avocado tree from seed to bear fruit!
Q: How do I plant a sprouted avocado seed?
A: Once the avocado seed has sprouted after a few weeks, plant it in a pot filled with some quality potting soil and keep the soil moist. When the tree reaches around six inches tall in height, cut it back a bit to encourage bushier growth.
Q: How often should I water my avocado tree?
A: Water your avocado tree regularly, but do not overwater it. A good guideline is to allow the top inch of soil to dry out before you go for another round of watering.
Q: Can I plant an avocado seed directly in soil?
A: Yes, you can plant an avocado seed directly in soil. Ensure that you plant the seed dead center in the pot, with the bottom half of the seed exposed above the soil level.
Q: What is the best way to ensure my avocado tree produces fruit?
A: To ensure your avocado tree produces fruit, plant it outside in a warm and sunny location. Make sure it receives enough water and enough nutrients. Planting more than one tree will increase your chances of successful pollination as well!
Did You Know?
July 31 is National Avocado Day? National Avocado Day was founded in 2017 and gaining in popularity ever since. Celebrate by planting an avocado of your very own!
Growing an avocado plant from seed is a great way to learn more about the life cycle of plants and to gain a whole new appreciation for the food we eat. So why not give it a try? If you have already grown your own avocado form seed, leave a comment below and let us know your experiences!
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