As part of our self- independence mythology, we feel better when we grow something right? How many of us have tried and failed with gardening or even planting our own vegetables?
Whether you are a pro gardener or just starting out, planting your own avocado tree from a store-bought fruit is totally possible! It'll make a lovely houseplant that may someday pay you back with fruit. We promise you will feel confident and achievement. If it doesn’t work the first time, just try again. Don’t sweat the small stuff, just get your hands dirty!
Leave out the toothpicks and let’s go!
Supplies:
Avocado seed from a ripe avocado
Medium size pot with drainage holes.
Potting Soil
Avocados like good drainage so you can also amend the potting mix with perlite or sand if you like.
Method:
Remove the seed (pit) from a fresh, ripe avocado. Avoid using a knife where it might damage the seed.
Gently clean the seed under warm, running water using a cloth or your hands ensuring all flesh is removed.
You can either let the seed(pit) sprout through a damp towel but germination takes 6 to 8 weeks and you would need to make sure it stays damp. We normally just plant a few seeds directly into soil and water regularly.
Important: Plant the seed with the top sticking out of the soil slightly
Can you tell the top of your seed from the bottom? The top is (usually) tapered or pointy. The bottom is often broader and flat with a round, scaly marking. The roots will (usually) grow out the bottom. When the seed is germinating, it will gradually crack open, revealing a deep split, and, eventually a root (or roots) will grow from deep inside the seed and in the soil.
Water until moist, not damp. Top up the potting mix as needed.
Place in warm, draft-free location with strong, indirect light.
Avocado plants enjoy moderate to high humidity: never allow your plant to dry out. Water 2x times per week or as necessary.
As it grows, leaves will form and voila, you have a perfect indoor plant. If you want it to grow avocado fruit, you would need to graft the tree. You can ask someone professional to do it for you or try and purchase a grafting kit to do it yourself. Plant the tree outside for it to grow big and to bear fruit.
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