If you’re looking to start your own avocado tree, late winter is actually the perfect time to get those seeds sprouting. Whether you choose to start your pit in a glass of water or directly in soil doesn’t make a huge difference—both methods work great! Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
The Seed
To grow an avocado plant at home, you’ll first need to pick up a nice, ripe avocado from the store. You’ll most likely find the “Hass” variety from Mexico at your local grocery. Keep in mind that in the wild, avocados grow into massive trees and don’t even start blooming for 6 to 10 years. Because of that, here in the States (unless you’re in a tropical climate), these are mostly grown as beautiful ornamental houseplants rather than for a backyard harvest. Still, watching this impressive plant grow is totally worth the effort!
Prepping for Sprouting
Start by carefully slicing your avocado in half with a knife. Try your best not to nick the pit in the center, as any damage can lead to rot later on. Once you’ve got the pit out, give it a good cleaning. I find it’s easiest to wipe it down with a paper towel first and then give it a thorough rinse under running water.
The Sprouting Process
When it comes to getting that seed to pop indoors, you’ve got two main options:
- Sprouting in water
- Sprouting in soil
Sprouting in Water
If you want to go the water route, you’ll need a glass or a jar. Pick something with an opening that’s just a bit wider than the pit itself.
To keep the pit suspended, grab 3 or 4 toothpicks. Poke them into the sides of the pit around the middle, spaced out evenly.
Now, rest the toothpicks on the rim of the glass so the pit hangs inside with the pointy end facing up. Fill the container with enough water so the bottom of the pit is submerged. Over the next few weeks, make sure to keep the water level consistent and swap it out for fresh water every 3 to 4 days.
Now comes the hard part: waiting! Avocados usually take about 4 to 8 weeks to sprout. Make sure to keep your jar in a warm, bright spot.
Sprouting in Soil
For the soil method, grab a small pot (about 4 inches) and fill it with a good seed-starting mix. Push your prepped pit into the soil—pointy side up—so about a third of it is buried. Place the pot in a warm, sunny area. You’ll want to keep the soil consistently moist, but be careful not to let it get soggy.
Pro Tip: To create a mini-greenhouse effect, cover the pot with some plastic wrap. This keeps the moisture in and prevents the soil from drying out. Just make sure to remove the plastic as soon as you see those first little leaves poking through!
