Growing an avocado tree from a seed has been one of the most satisfying (and surprisingly easy!) gardening adventures I’ve taken on. It all started one day when I was slicing up an avocado for my toast, admiring that shiny, sturdy pit sitting right in the middle, and I thought, “Could I actually turn this into a tree?” Well, I decided to try—and after a few months of patience and a bit of trial and error, I had a beautiful little avocado plant on my windowsill.
If you’ve ever been tempted to give it a go, here’s exactly how I did it, with a few handy tips to help you avoid some of the common pitfalls (pun intended!).
Step1: Prep the Pit
After enjoying your avocado, take that pit and give it a good rinse to remove any remaining bits of fruit. I carefully wiped it down, making sure there was no avocado flesh left, as any leftover bits can lead to mould.
Now here’s an important part—figuring out which end is up. The seed has a slightly pointed end (this is the top) and a flatter end (this is the bottom). The roots will sprout from the bottom, so it’s crucial to get this part right from the start!
Step 2: Skewer & Suspend
This was the fun part for me. I grabbed three toothpicks and gently poked them into the pit at a slight angle, just deep enough to hold it in place. Then, I filled a glass with enough water so that the bottom of the seed was submerged, and balanced the pit on the rim with the toothpicks resting on the edge.
I kept the water level consistent, checking every few days to top it up if necessary. It felt a bit like checking in on a tiny science experiment every morning, and I started getting attached to my little pit, willing it to sprout.
Step 3: Wait for Roots & Sprouts
Here’s the part that requires a little patience. It took about three to six weeks for me to see any real action. At one point, I was convinced it wasn’t working, but just when I was about to give up, I noticed a crack forming along the bottom of the seed. A few days later, I saw a tiny root pushing out! It’s honestly such a thrill when you see those first signs of life.
As the root grows, so does a little shoot at the top. This was my proud parent moment—watching the tiny green sprout poke out was a small but mighty victory!
Step 4: Potting the Seedling
Once my little avocado pit had a strong root system and a sprout that was about six inches tall, I decided it was time to pot it. I picked a pot that was about 10-12 inches wide with drainage holes (avocados hate soggy roots, so drainage is key!).
I filled it with well-draining soil, leaving enough room for the roots. Gently placing the seedling in the centre, I covered the roots with soil, leaving the top half of the pit exposed. There’s something incredibly satisfying about finally planting it in soil—like it’s officially becoming part of the family!
Step 5: Water & Watch It Grow
Watering is key, but I’ve learned the hard way not to overdo it. I keep the soil moist but not drenched, watering when the top inch of soil feels dry.
As it grows, I’ve started misting the leaves to keep them happy and to mimic a more humid environment. Avocado plants love a bit of humidity, so a little misting now and then goes a long way. Watching those bright green leaves unfurl is so rewarding, and it’s become a little ritual for me each morning to check in on my plant and give it some love.
Step 6: Prune to Encourage Growth
Once the stem grew to about a foot tall, I took the plunge and pruned it back a few inches. I’ll admit, it felt a bit scary, but this little trim encourages the plant to grow stronger, with more leaves and branches. Sure enough, after a few weeks, it started sprouting new leaves and looked even healthier.
Pruning isn’t necessary, but it helps create a fuller, bushier plant, which I love. Now it looks less like a spindly stick and more like a lush little tree-in-the-making.
Step 7: Give It Sunshine & Time
One of the best tips I can offer is to give your avocado plant plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. I keep mine near a window where it gets a healthy dose of morning light, and it’s been thriving.
Over time, it’s grown into a beautiful green plant with shiny leaves that brighten up my space. I’ve learned that avocado trees can take several years to mature, so growing one indoors doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get fruit (although, fingers crossed!). But even just having it as a houseplant has been so rewarding.
Final Thoughts: Growing an Avocado Tree Is Worth the Wait
Growing an avocado from seed is honestly one of those small joys in life. It requires a bit of patience, but seeing that sprout emerge and those glossy leaves grow is such a satisfying process. It’s like nurturing a little piece of nature right inside your home. And if you’re an avocado lover, having a plant grown from a seed of your own breakfast feels like a full-circle moment.
So, next time you slice into an avocado, don’t toss that pit! Try growing your own avocado plant instead. It’s easier than you’d think, and you might just end up with a beautiful little tree that brings a bit of green into your home. Happy growing! 🌱