Grow an Avocado Tree

Let your kids grow their own avocado tree using an avocado seed (pit) and a cup of dirt...or water if you want to see the roots grow too.

You need:

• An avocado seed
• Wooden Toothpicks
• A small glass container of water, or a small pot with potting soil

Growing this tree from a seed is a neat activity for your kids. Since the seed is so large it's fun to watch the process as the roots and stem appear. It also teaches them how to care for a growing plant.

Your avocado tree will do better if you root it in soil, however, you can't see the roots grow so lots of people like to start the rooting in water then transfer to soil after the plant has sprouted.

1. Take your avocado seed and determine which end is the root end. This will be the widest end.

2. Fill a jar just large enough for your seed with water.

3. Poke 3 toothpicks equally spaced around the center of your seed so that the picks will keep the seed from falling to the bottom of the jar.

4. The seed should sit at the top of the jar with the bottom half under water and the top half exposed to the air. (If you start your plant in soil the seed should be covered and exposed in the same way.)
   
   
   

5. Place your seed in a bright windowsill. In about four to six weeks the top of the avocado pit will split and a sprout will pop out from the top. This will be the plant stem. Roots will begin to grow from the base.

6. When the stem grows to about six inches pinch out the top set of leaves. In another two or three weeks new leaves will sprout and more roots will grow.

7. If you started your seed in water now is the time to switch it to soil. Use rich potting soil in a 8" to 10" pot and bury seed with the top part exposed about an inch above the soil line. Water slowly, and generously but not so that the soil looks muddy.

Care for your tree by keeping it in a sunny window. Keep the soil moist but not muddy. Light frequent watering is best.

To encourage your tree to be lush and bushy pinch out the top set of leaves after every 6 inches of growth.

Your tree can go outside in the summer but will need to be brought in if your winters fall below 45 degrees (F) or 7 degrees (C). If your winters are mild the avocado tree can stay outside in a sunny spot.