Weve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
A slew of dishes instantly become more flavorful with the addition of nutritious avocados. Whether you have the taste for a delicious salad or avocado tacos, theres no shortage of avocado recipes to try.
While it might seem like a no-brainer to grab a few avocados at your local supermarket, theres no reason not to consider growing your own avocado plant from a single brown seed indoors. All it takes are a few simple steps and essentials like water, toothpicks and soil, and youre on your way to enjoying all the benefits of this gorgeous houseplant.
Take a look below for our step-by-step guide, as well as pointers on how to grow and care for your avocado plant. It also makes for a fun childrens activity, especially if they enjoy gardening projects!
Check out these five basic steps to begin growing your very own avocado tree from a single brown seed:
Growing an avocado plant from seed can be a fun and rewarding experience. From germination to fruiting, avocados go through several distinct stages of development. In this article, we’ll explore the different stages of avocado plant growth so you know what to expect as your plant matures.
Seed Germination
The journey begins when you first plant your avocado pit. Avocado seeds are large with a protective outer coating, so germination can take 2-6 weeks. Here’s what happens during the germination stage:
-
The seed coat cracks open and the embryonic root emerges This root grows downwards in search of moisture and nutrients.
-
Next, the hypocotyl or stem pokes out from the top of the seed and grows upwards towards sunlight.
-
Small leaves then unfurl at the top of the stem. Congrats, you officially have an avocado seedling!
Proper moisture and warmth are essential during germination. I like to sprout my avocado pits by placing them pointy-side down in a glass of water. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag. Maintain a temperature around 70-80°F until the seed sprouts.
Seedling Stage
In the seedling stage, the baby avocado plant continues growing its stem, leaves, and roots. As the stem elongates, the leaves increase in size and number. More lateral roots also branch out from the main taproot.
At this point, your avocado seedling needs more space for its roots to spread out. Transplant it into a pot with well-draining soil. Aim for a soil pH between 6-7. Place the pot in a warm spot with lots of indirect sunlight.
Seedlings grow quickly when given adequate water, light, and nutrition. I like to feed mine with a diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. This fuels rapid vegetative growth. Monitor moisture levels and only water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Vegetative Growth Stage
The vegetative stage is the period of active shoot and foliage growth. Your young avocado tree will gain height rapidly as the main stem continues extending upwards. More leaves fill out the canopy as side branches grow off the trunk.
At this point the avocado plant needs even more space for its spreading roots and growing canopy Repot it into a larger container or transplant into the ground Make sure it receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
Fertilize every 4-6 weeks to encourage vigorous growth. But don’t overdo it, as excess nitrogen can cause leggy, weak growth. Deep watering when the top few inches of soil are dry prevents water stress.
Left alone, an avocado can grow into a 40-60 foot tree! But you can maintain a more compact size through pruning. Tip prune new shoots to promote bushy growth.
Flowering & Fruiting Stage
After 2-4 years of vegetative growth, your avocado tree will begin flowering. Avocado flowers bloom in spring on panicle flower clusters. The small, greenish-yellow flowers have both male and female parts.
For fruit set, avocado flowers must receive pollen from another variety. You can assist pollination by gently shaking flower clusters daily. Each successfully pollinated flower produces a tiny avocado fruit.
Over the next 6-9 months the tiny avocados grow larger until reaching maturity. Depending on variety, it takes 4-12 months for avocados to fully ripen after pollination. Track their growth and feel for softness to determine ripeness.
Maturation
At around 4-6 years old, the average backyard avocado tree achieves maturity. Growth rate and fruiting production peak during this life stage. A mature avocado can bear hundreds of fruits annually when properly cared for.
Pruning is important to maintain an open canopy that allows light and air penetration. Fertilize 3-4 times per year, but reduce watering once the tree is established. Harvest avocados carefully to avoid damaging branches.
Left unpruned, an avocado tree may eventually outgrow its space and decline in productivity. But with proper care, you can enjoy plentiful harvests for years to come. It’s rewarding to watch your avocado grow from seed to fruiting tree!
Troubleshooting Common Avocado Growth Issues
Growing avocados does come with some challenges. Here are tips for troubleshooting some common issues:
-
Slow growth: Increase sunlight, warmth, and fertilization to stimulate growth. Avoid overwatering.
-
Leggy growth: Give more sunlight and prune back new shoots. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer.
-
Leaf drop: Check for underwatering, overwatering, or incorrect soil pH.
-
Failure to flower/fruit: Ensure it is mature enough, and assist with cross-pollination.
-
Small fruits: Promote flowering and pollination. Rule out overwatering/underwatering.
-
Brown leaves: This can indicate under/overwatering. Check soil drainage and adjust watering habits.
Don’t hesitate to adjust care methods if your tree shows signs of stress. With attentive care tailored to each life stage, you’ll succeed in growing a thriving, fruitful avocado tree!
Frequently Asked Avocado Growth Questions
How long does it take an avocado pit to sprout?
Avocado pits usually sprout within 2-6 weeks after planting. Germination time depends on warmth, moisture levels, and the viability of your particular seed.
When should I transplant my avocado seedling?
Transplant seedlings once the stem reaches about 6 inches tall and the roots are a few inches long. Use a pot at least 6 inches wide.
How long until my avocado tree fruits?
Grafted avocado trees take 3-4 years to fruit. Trees grown from seed take much longer – usually 8 years minimum. Proper care speeds up maturity.
What causes avocado leaves to turn yellow?
Yellowing avocado leaves often indicate overwatering or poor drainage leading to root rot. Insufficient nutrients can also cause yellow leaves.
Why is my avocado tree not flowering?
Lack of flowering can be from inadequate sunlight, immaturity, or improper pruning. Assist pollination by shaking flower clusters daily.
How can I get bigger avocados?
Promote fruit growth by assisting with cross-pollination and maintaining optimal water, nutrients, and sunlight. Thin fruits if overloaded.
Ready to Grow Your Own Avocados?
It’s incredibly rewarding to nurture an avocado from seed to maturity. Don’t hesitate to adjust your care methods if issues arise. Proper lighting, watering, nutrients, pollination, and pruning are the keys to thriving avocado trees.
If you’re feeling inspired to grow your own hass avocados, grab a fresh pit and get planting! Let the journey begin! With some patience and attentive care, you’ll be enjoying homegrown guacamole in no time.
/Avocadotreeswithfruit-5624d9395234479f923831b984effa5f.jpg)
How to grow an avocado tree at home
- Wash any residue off of an avocado pit (be sure not to cut into or break it). After it dries, insert 3-4 toothpicks about halfway up the side of the pit.
- Place the broad end of the pit down in a drinking glass or jar. Make sure that the container has enough water to submerge the bottom third of the seed, the Missouri Botanical Garden suggests.
- Be sure to keep the glass in a warm area and away from direct sunlight and change the water regularly. You should notice roots and a sprout in about 2-6 weeks. However, if you dont see them, start with another seed.
- Once the sprout reaches about 6 inches tall, cut it back to about 3 inches to promote more root growth.
- When the stem grows out again, use a 10-inch pot with rich potting soil to plant your pit. Thats it! All you have to do now is be patient and wait for your avocado tree to flourish.
Note: Rather than starting from scratch, purchase older trees. Visit to buy grafted, 4-feet tall avocado trees that may yield fruit in 3-4 years rather than 10.
How to care for an avocado tree
Place your pot in a sunny spot indoors and water lightly but often. The goal is to keep the soil moist but not sopping wet, California Avocados recommends. You can place your pot outdoors in the summer as long as temperatures stay above 45°F. Occasionally, prune your plant (every 6 inches or so) to encourage fullness.
Gardening tip: Overwatering can lead to yellow leaves. Cut back to prevent root rot.