Growing avocado from a pit is one of the most popular DIY gardening experiments. You’ve probably seen it online—a shiny avocado seed suspended over water with toothpicks, slowly sprouting roots and leaves. But does this actually work?
Let’s break down what’s fact and what’s fiction.
Can You Really Grow an Avocado Tree from a Pit?
Yes, it’s possible! But it takes time, patience, and a little luck. And while you can grow a beautiful plant, growing a fruit-bearing tree from a pit is very unlikely—especially indoors.
How to Grow Avocado from a Pit
Start by removing the pit from a ripe avocado and washing it gently. Insert three toothpicks around the middle and place it over a glass of water. The flat end should be submerged.
Place the glass in a warm, sunny spot and change the water every few days. After 2–8 weeks, the pit may split, and a small root and stem will appear. Not all pits sprout—so don’t worry if nothing happens.
When to Move It to Soil
Once the stem reaches 15 cm (6 inches), trim it back by half. This encourages strong growth. When new leaves appear, transplant it into a pot with good drainage and fresh soil. Keep it in bright, indirect light and water when the top of the soil is dry.
Will It Grow Avocados?
Probably not. Trees grown from pits usually don’t produce fruit. If they do, it may take 5–13 years—and even then, the fruit might not be tasty. For real results, gardeners use grafted trees.
Still, growing avocado from a pit is fun. It teaches you about plant growth and gives you a leafy houseplant to enjoy.
Quick Tips:
Don’t expect fruit, just enjoy the process.
Use only one healthy, fresh pit.
Be patient—it can take weeks.
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