Avocado
Persea americana
Grow from the pit of your avocado toast! While it takes years to fruit, an avocado tree is a gorgeous tropical houseplant and a fun long-term project.
medium
Full Sun (6+ hours)
Moderate — let top layer dry between waterings
5-13 years to fruit from seed
How to Grow
Clean the pit, poke 3 toothpicks in, and suspend over water with the bottom submerged. Keep in bright warmth. Roots and a stem sprout in 2-6 weeks. When the stem is 15cm, pinch it back to 8cm. Pot in soil when roots are thick. Grow in a large pot or in-ground in warm climates.
Growth Phases
Water Rooting (2-6 weeks)
Pit cracks open, root and shoot emerge
Potting Up (2-4 weeks)
Seedling moved to soil with strong root system
Sapling (6-12 months)
Stem grows tall with large, glossy leaves
Young Tree (1-3 years)
Branches develop, tree takes shape
Maturity (5-13+ years)
Tree may eventually flower and set fruit
Care Tips
- •The toothpick-in-water method works but is slow
- •Pinch growing tip to encourage branching
- •Seed-grown trees rarely fruit — grafted trees are better
- •Makes a beautiful indoor tropical tree regardless
Companion Plants
Community Interest
Real-time — updates when others show interest