Avocado trees are a famous home fruit tree, but many need to be made aware that you can grow them from seed. Growing from seed is less expensive than buying a young plant and allows you to have a tree uniquely your own. This article will outline the four essential steps to germinate and grow an avocado tree from seed successfully.

4 Easy Steps to Grow an Avocado Tree from Seed

Selecting an Avocado Seed

For the best chances of success, choose an avocado seed from a fruit that was allowed to ripen fully on the tree or bush. Ripe avocados will be soft with black or purple skin.

• Select seed from a large-sized avocado, as these typically produce faster-growing and more giant trees.
• Cut the avocado in half lengthwise and remove the seed from the flesh. Gently scrape or wipe off any remaining flesh from the seed.
• Allow the seed to dry for 5-7 days. Place it on a flat surface somewhere warm, dry, and well-ventilated. Drying the seed helps prevent rotting.
• Check that the seed is intact without any cracks or damage. Discard any poor-quality seeds. A healthy seed will be hard and between 1-3 inches long.

Proper seed selection is essential to maximize your chances of successful germination. Only use seeds from fully ripened avocados without any flaws or injuries.

Germinating the Seed

• Place the dried avocado seed toothpick-side down on a flat surface. Use 3-4 toothpicks inserted around the widest point to suspend the seed above the water.
• Fill a clean container, such as a small bowl or jar, with lukewarm water. The water should cover at least the bottom half of the seed.
• Roots will begin to emerge from the side of the seed submerged in the water, usually within 7-10 days.
• Check and change the water every 2-3 days to keep it fresh and prevent rot. Rotting is the most common cause of seed germination failures.
• Once a white, slender 1-2 inch long root emerges, the seed is ready to be planted in the soil. The root development indicates the seed is successfully germinated.

Providing the proper moisture and warmth conditions allows the seed to break dormancy and initiate root growth efficiently. Frequent water changes are essential to avoid rotting during this germination stage.

Planting the Seeded Avocado

• Select a small nursery pot or container at least 4-6 inches wide. Fill with a well-draining potting soil or seed starting mix.
• Make an indentation about 1-2 inches deep in the soil using your finger. This will be the planting hole.
• Carefully remove the germinated avocado seed from its water container, keeping the root system intact.
• Place the seed root-side down in the planting hole and cover the bottom half of the seed with soil. Pack it down gently.
• Place the pot in a spot with diffuse light, such as eastern or northern exposure. The morning sun is ideal.
• Keep the soil moist but not soaked. Water whenever the top inch of soil starts to dry out.

Proper planting depth and growing conditions at this stage help the young avocado plant establish itself before its first set of true leaves emerge.

Growing the Sapling

• As the first few broad, dark green leaves emerge, gradually increase sunlight exposure to a few hours per day.
• Monitor growth and transplant up one size to an 8-inch pot or larger when roots start to fill the container it’s in. Be gentle not to damage roots.
• Continuing increasing sunlight by an hour per week until it gets 5-6 hours of direct sun daily. Slow acclimation prevents sunburn.
• Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with a half-strength dilution of general houseplant fertilizer once leaves appear.
• Hardiness varies by cultivar, but mature avocado trees take 5-10 years to bear fruit size. Be patient!

Regular care and guidance as it grows will result in a healthy, productive avocado tree for years to come. Monitor progress and enjoy watching your tree develop from seedling to fruiting size!