Avocados have certainly taken a front row seat in the veggies department, and people are dying to grow their own avocado tree! Avocados are not only delicious, but they're full of vitamins and minerals that are oh-so good for you! Today we'll show you how to grow avocado trees from pits with our easy to follow gardening guide. Follow the steps below and in no time (okay, maybe a little bit of time, patience is key here!), you'll have your very own avocado tree so you can make fresh, organic guac whenever you want!
How to Grow Avocado Trees From Pits – A Gardening Guide
Preparing The Seed:
- Purchase an organic avocado and remove the big seed inside.
- Wash the seed and dry it well.
- Insert 3-4 toothpicks into the seed at its widest part.
- Suspend the avocado pit over a glass of water with the pointy end sticking up.
- The water should cover an inch of the pit.
- Place in a warm place such as a windowsill and keep the water leveled.
- Depending on a few factors, you should see sprouts coming up within 2-6 weeks.
- When the stem is about 6 inches long, cut it in half.
Planting Avocado:
- After the stem leafs again, transplant the seedling into a pot with loose, sandy soil.
- Plant the seedling with the root down leaving the top half of the pit sticking out of the soil.
- Keep your avocado seedling in a warm and sunny spot, making sure to water regularly.
- To encourage faster growth, pinch back the newest top leaves every time the stem grows another 6 inches.
Transplanting:
- Transplant your avocado tree outdoors once the weather permits, usually in early spring.
- Dig a hole 3 feet wide and 3 feet deep in well drained soil.
- Water regularly
Harvest Time:
- Depending on the variety of avocado as well as your climate, your avocado tree should be ready for harvest in 5-12 years.
- In the winter months, uproot your avocado tree and bring it indoors, placing it in a large pot.
Happy Planting!
