If you’ve been trying to root avocado seeds by suspending them over a glass of water with toothpicks, there is an easier way. I’ll show you a no-fuss way to root avocado pits to create new houseplants.
I recommend this method because it takes little effort and shows you exactly which seeds will germinate before planting them in pots.
Forget the toothpicks and water! And don’t bother with the plastic gizmo on Amazon that suspends the seed over water. This method (below) works better. With just a few household supplies you can make your avocado seeds sprout.
I have tested this easy method on a lot of grocery store avocados and the germination rate is quite good.
I don’t like the toothpick method because it’s fussy, requires more effort, can rot the seed, and is not as reliable.
You can also try sprouting avocado seeds directly in moist potting mix, but that too can be hit and miss.
By using the method shown below you can know ahead of time if the seed will actually grow before bothering to plant it.
Odds are your avocado plant is not going to produce fruit, or, if it does, it will take many years and may not produce good fruit.
Growing an avocado from seed is the slowest and least reliable way to get true (same as the parent) fruit.
Commercial growers use grafting methods to ensure fruit quality and quantity that are not really possible for home growers.
But, starting a plant from the seed/pit is an easy way to grow a free houseplant. If it does fruit, it could take as long as 8-20 years. Grafted avocados produce fruit in 2-3 years.
The actual pollination process in rather unusual and intriguing and worth further reading if you are interested.
I’ll show you how to sprout your seed, plant your seed, and care for it as a houseplant.
The avocado is a highly nutritious and delicious fruit that also makes for a beautiful houseplant. Propagating an avocado plant from the pit is an easy and fun project for any gardener. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the entire avocado propagation process step-by-step.
Overview of Avocado Plant Propagation
Propagating avocado plants is generally done through seed. Avocados are propagated by removing the pit/seed from a ripe avocado fruit and sowing it in soil or suspending it over water. With proper care, the seed will sprout roots and grow into a whole new avocado plant.
Here are some key advantage of propagating avocados from seeds:
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Requires no special rooting hormones or tools – just the seed
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High success rate if sprouted correctly. Up to 90% germination
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Produces a unique plant that’s genetically different than the parent.
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Fun project for gardeners of all levels. Great for kids.
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Allows you to grow beautiful houseplants or trees from store-bought produce.
While also inexpensive and easy, propagating avocados does have some downsides to consider:
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Long growth period. Trees typically take 3-5 years to produce fruit.
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Genetic variability means no guarantee the fruit will taste good or be productive.
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Requires transplanting from water or soil eventually.
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Needs frequent pruning to manage size as indoor plant.
Overall, sprouting avocado pits is an enjoyable and rewarding way to expand your gardening skills and grow beautiful, healthy avocado plants.
Step-by-Step Guide to Avocado Propagation
Propagating an avocado plant is simple but does require following some key steps. Here is a step-by-step overview:
1. Gather Supplies
You’ll need:
- A fresh avocado pit
- Toothpicks
- Clear glass jar or container
- Water
- Well-draining potting mix
- Optional: pruning shears, compost
2. Prep the Pit
Carefully slice around the avocado and twist the halves to separate. Remove the pit and rinse off any excess fruit. Gently scrub with a vegetable brush under cool water. Pat the pit completely dry.
3. Toothpick Method
Insert 3 toothpicks evenly around the pit. Carefully push them in about 1/3 of the way. Space them equally so the pit can be suspended vertically.
4. Suspend in Water
Place toothpicks on the rim of a glass jar or container. Fill with room temperature water. The bottom 1/2 of the pit should be submerged. Place in a warm sunny spot indoors.
5. Monitor Water Levels
Replenish water as needed to maintain the half-submerged level. Change water weekly to prevent algae buildup. Look for a cracked surface and roots to sprout after 2-6 weeks.
6. Plant in Soil
Once the pit has sprouted roots that are a few inches long, plant it directly into a 10-12 inch pot with drainage holes. Bury just the lower half in soil. Keep soil moist but not soaked.
7. Provide Ideal Conditions
Place in a warm spot with direct sun. Water whenever the top inch of soil is dry. Fertilize monthly with a balanced diluted fertilizer. Prune as needed to shape.
With the right care your sprouted avocado pit will flourish into a healthy tree or houseplant!
Step-By-Step Propagation Process In Detail
Now let’s take a deeper dive into each step of the avocado propagation process:
Find the Right Avocado Pit
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Source a ripe, fresh Hass avocado. Other varieties may not be as viable.
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Gently remove pit from fruit and rinse thoroughly. Scrub off any clinging flesh.
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Dry the pit completely before sprouting. Any moisture can lead to rot.
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Inspect for damage, mold or signs of premature sprouting.
Choose your pit wisely to start off your propagation on the right foot.
Toothpick Technique
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Use standard flat toothpicks for balance. Avoid flavored or colored ones.
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Angle picks slightly outward for stability. Space evenly around circumference.
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Insert 1/3 to 1/2 of toothpick length into thick top part of the pit.
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Soak in water 10 mins first to soften pit if toothpicks won’t push in.
Proper toothpick placement provides the anchoring needed to sprout in water.
Suspending in Water
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Select a clear straight-sided glass container at least 6 inches deep.
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Fill with room temperature filtered or distilled water. Tap water may inhibit growth.
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Rest toothpick ends on rim so pit hangs vertically, half submerged.
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Place in a warm spot with indirect sunlight. Avoid direct hot sun.
The water method allows you to observe the sprouting roots as they grow.
Caring for the Sprouting Pit
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Check water levels every 2-3 days, replace water weekly.
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Keep water clean and room temperature to prevent rotting.
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Watch for cracks in the pit surface as the first sign of germination.
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Small white roots will eventually emerge from cracks after 2-6 weeks.
Nurturing the sprouting pit properly is vital for growing a healthy avocado plant.
Transplanting to Soil
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Wait until sprouted roots are 2-3 inches long before planting in soil.
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Choose a 10-12 inch container with drainage holes and breathable potting mix.
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Bury bottom half of pit in soil, toothpicks can be removed.
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Water thoroughly after planting, keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Planting in nutrient-rich soil allows the avocado plant to really flourish and grow.
Caring for Your Avocado Houseplant
Once your avocado pit has successfully sprouted, you can care for it as a houseplant:
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Place in warm spot with lots of bright indirect light. Avoid intense direct sun.
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Water whenever the top inch of soil is dry. Established plants are drought tolerant.
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Fertilize monthly with a balanced diluted fertilizer during spring and summer.
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Prune back growing tips and branches as needed to shape plant and manage size.
With proper ongoing care, your homegrown avocado houseplant will continue growing for many years to come!
Troubleshooting Propagation Problems
Avocado propagation is fairly straightforward but occasionally issues pop up. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Pit isn’t sprouting:
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Increase water temperature slightly to speed germination.
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Change out water to freshen it. Hard water can inhibit sprouting.
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Ensure partial sun exposure. Too much shade slows growth.
Roots are stunted:
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Check that water is clean and at room temperature.
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Avoid direct hot sunlight which can damage tender roots.
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Add water-soluble fertilizer to stimulate new growth.
Leaves turning brown:
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Reduce direct light exposure which may be scorching leaves.
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Increase humidity for indoor plants. Mist leaves regularly.
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Rule out disease. Prune damaged foliage.
White crusty deposits on leaves:
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Identify any pests and treat appropriately.
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Increase air circulation.
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Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth. Don’t over-wet foliage.
With careful troubleshooting, most avocado propagation issues can be corrected and your plant nursed back to health. Don’t give up!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you propagate a store-bought avocado?
Yes! As long as the pit is still fresh and intact, an avocado from the grocery store can be propagated just like one from your backyard tree.
How long does it take for the pit to sprout?
Anywhere from 2-3 weeks to 2 months. Be patient. Ensure ideal warmth, sunlight and clean water to speed things up.
Why are my avocado’s leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves are usually a sign of overwatering or insufficient drainage. Allow soil to dry out more between waterings. Or replant in better draining mix.
Is the water method really necessary?
Suspending in water is optional, but it does allow you to observe the roots and confirm sprouting before planting in soil.
Can I grow an avocado houseplant from a sprouted pit?
Yes! Once sprouted and transplanted you can grow an avocado pit indoors as a houseplant indefinitely with proper care. Prune as needed.
Final Thoughts
Propagating an avocado plant from a pit is one of the most enjoyable and foolproof gardening projects. With a bit of patience and proper care, you can grow beautiful and functional avocado houseplants to enjoy for years to come. The satisfaction of nurturing a plant
How to Plant a Sprouted Avocado Seed
- Sprouted avocado seed
- 8-inch flower pot with drainage holes (for a 2-inch avocado seed)
- Indoor potting mix for houseplants
Avocados like good drainage so you can also amend the potting mix with perlite or sand if you like.
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 but not always. We plant the sprouted seed with the bottom and roots aiming down into the pot.
Plant The Sprouted Seed
To plant, fill the pot half way with potting mix and gently place the seed in the pot.
Handle with care so the roots do not break.
If your root (or roots) are much longer than your pot size, you risk snapping them during the potting process while trying to fit everything into the pot. If you can’t use a larger pot, you can selectively cut them back—but don’t overdo it. Use sharp scissors cleaned with rubbing alcohol or bleach solution (4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water for at least one minute). It is said that root pruning (trimming) can also help produce a bushy rather than a tall, leggy plant but I have not found research to confirm it.
The roots may also be growing in all different directions and/or you may not be able to distinguish a root from a shoot. If so, just be sure to place everything root-like under the soil surface. The plant will know what to do from there.
While steadying the seed, gently press down the potting mix and add more as needed, leaving the top inch of the seed above soil level. If you don’t already have a stem, one will grow.
Water (room temperature distilled water) until moist, not damp. Top up the potting mix as needed.
Place in warm, draft-free location with strong, indirect light.
As it grows, leaves will form.
