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.
Different Ways to Grow Avocado from Seed
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. You will need good potting mix but not much else.
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. I’d rather know the plant is going to succeed before going to the bother of planting it.
Before You Start
A little reality check.
No need to rush out and buy chips for your homegrown guacamole.
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.
So, start saving those pits and get growing.
You can also use this same method for growing mango plants from grocery store fruit.
Save The Instructions
Easy Method to Grow an Avocado Plant from Seed
It takes 4-6 weeks for avocado seeds to be rooted and ready for planting.
- Remove the seed (pit) from a fresh, ripe avocado. Avoid using a knife so there is no damage to the seed.
- Gently clean the seed under warm, running water using a soft brush or cloth ensuring all flesh is removed.
- Wrap the seed in a sheet of damp (not dripping wet) paper towel or tea towel.
- Place in a plastic food bag (do not zip shut) and store in a dark cupboard.
- Check on it every 4 days or so. I put a reminder in my phone calendar so I don’t forget.
At first you just need to ensure the paper towel stays damp. After a few weeks you’ll start to notice signs of germination.
When the seed is germinating, it will gradually crack open, revealing a deep split, and, eventually a root (or roots) will grow from deep inside the seed.
Do not break the seed apart: the seed body feeds the root growth, and the roots are delicate, so handle with care and do not break them. - When the root is 3-inches long, your seed is ready for planting in a flower pot.
- If your root (or roots) are longer than 3-inches and they won’t fit in your pot, you can cut them back to 3-inches in length with sharp scissors cleaned with rubbing alcohol or bleach solution (4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water for at least one minute). I have read this can help produce a bushy rather than a tall, leggy plant but have not tested it myself.
Related: Are Avocado Seeds Safe to Eat? No!
How to Plant a Sprouted Avocado Seed
Supplies
- 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.
How to Tell Top From Bottom
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). We plant the sprouted seed with the bottom and roots aiming down into the pot.
After One Month
The next photo shows the same seeds after a month in the damp paper towel.
Notice how they germinate at different rates.
Some are just getting started. Two are doing well. One is refusing to budge.
I will give these ones another few weeks and then plant the strongest ones:
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.
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. The plant stem will grow from there.
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. Or that’s the ideal.
Related: How to Grow Mango From the Grocery Store
Caring for Your Avocado Plant
Avocado | Genus: Persea
Avocado Houseplant Growing Tips
Tropical plant
• Light: Full, indirect sun
• Humidity: Moderate to high
• Soil: do not dry out
• Fertilizer: 7-9-5
• Shape: Pinch back top leaves to encourage new side shoots
• Room Temperature: 60° to 85°F (16° to 30°C)
Propagation
• For Fruit: Start with a grafted tree
• For Fun: Grow seed into non-fruiting houseplant
Read More
How to Grow Your Avocado Tree Indoors
Includes tips for planting, potting mix, containers, pruning, repotting, and flowering.
Dropping Leaves or Leaves Turning Brown?
This is common with seasonal changes indoors. Change of light and humidity can make the plant sulk: leaves may turn brown and drop. Don’t give up: mine rebound when winter is done and we have the central heating off once again.
Avocado Trivia
- The word ‘avocado’ originates from a word meaning ‘testicle’. Yes, that’s the first time that word has come up in my garden writing.
- The fruit of an avocado (the part we eat), is actually a large berry and the pit is a seed.
- Avocados are considered a healthy food choice, providing (primarily) monounsaturated fat, vitamins B6, C, E, and potassium, magnesium, and folate.
- Avocados are much richer in potassium than bananas (which are always heralded as potassium-rich).
- Bananas have 358 mg per 100 grams. Avocados have 485 mg per 100 grams.
- Avocados must be left to mature on the tree, but then ripen after harvesting. The hard, green fruit can take two weeks to ripen, although this is faster if exposed to ethylene gas.
- Grafted avocado plants produce fruit with a few years compared to germinated seeds (8-20 years).
- The pollination process for avocados is interesting: on day one female flowers open; on day two they are male and shed their pollen.
- There are three species of avocados and many varieties. Fruit sizes and tastes vary.
- 1. Guatemalan (Persea nubigena var. guatamalensis L. Wms.)
- 2. Mexican (P. americana var. drymifolia Blake)
- 3. West Indian (P. americana Mill. var. americana)
- If you do not live in a growing area, the avocados in your grocery store probably always come from the same few sources (depending on import/export laws).
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛
How to Grow Avocado From Seed
Supplies & Materials
- 1 Avocado ripe
- 1 Tea towel or paper towels
- 1 Food container or plastic food bag
- 1 8-inch Flower pot with saucer
- 1 bag Potting Mix
Equipment
Instructions
Prepare Avocado
- Remove seed (pit) from a ripe avocado. Do not let knife touch seed to prevent damage.
- Gently wash seed under warm running water removing any avocado flesh.
- Take a before photo.
Start Rooting Process
- Wrap seed in damp (but not soaking wet) tea towel or paper towel.
- Place wrapped seed in food storage container or plastic food bag in dark kitchen cupboard. Do not seal bag/cover container or seed may get moldy.
Check Seed
- Check seed every 4 days or so by carefully unwrapping cover.
- Look for any visible changes and take more photos.
- Ensure towel is still moist and return to container.
- At first the seed will start to crack open (this is good) and one or more roots will grow from inside.
Plant Rooted Seed
- After approximately 4-6 weeks, the root should be around 3-inches long and ready to plant.
- Plant in 8-inch flower pot with roots facing down (or sideways if they grew that way).
- Cover in potting mix with top half-inch of seed above soil level.
- If roots are too big for pot, trim away excess, then plant and water.
Avocado Plant Care
- Grow your plant in a draft-free location with strong, indirect light.
- Avocado plants enjoy moderate to high humidity: never allow your plant to dry out.
- Use 7:9:5 fertilizer as directed.
- Keep taking photos to monitor growth.
Notes
- For more tips on avocado plant care see How to Grow an Avocado Tree.
- To grow a mango plants see How to Grow Mango From Seed.
- For ginger, pineapple, and more see The Kitchen Propagation Handbook.
Nadiyah says
Hi,
My seed has cracked and the root began to appear however it broke off at the tip. Is there anyway to save it?
Melissa J. Will says
Just keep growing it. Should be fine.
Annette says
Excellent instructions. I grew a tree from a pip. Its a huge tree now and bears a good crop every two years. It took about 6 years before the first crop. What helped was giving the tree a good supply of Epsom salts.
Melissa J. Will says
Great you got a crop but Epsom salts would not be the cause. Your excellent growing conditions and care suited to the plant would though!
Jeff says
This is great. Worked on my first try. Can I grow my plant over a bottle with the roots submerged in water and the seed and stem growing above (similar to the toothpick method)? I just like the look of it.
Melissa J. Will says
You can grow them over water but for how long is hard to predict. Sometimes the roots will rot but I’ve seen others keep them going for months or longer that way. Ultimately growing in potting mix is best for this plant.
Marcy Myers says
Very easy to understand simple method for rooting avocado seed & growing the plant! Thank you!
Kim says
Thank you for your wonderful tutorial on avacado plant growing. The pictures are a great plus and I think I adore your website!!
Melissa J. Will says
If you sprout your avocado seed and cannot tell the top from the bottom (or distinguish roots from shoots), just plant it anyway aiming both sideways if you can.
Even if you don’t know which is which, the plant does. The roots will grow down into the soil and the shoots will grow above it.
Johanna Dumas says
I have a sprouted seed from the toothpick method (I didn’t know about the paper towel method) and the sprout is an inch long. I read somewhere to cut root to three inches for a more bushy appearance when planting. And, then cut the six inch plant stem in half for a more sturdy stem. What do you think about these methods? The second one is scary.
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Johanna,
Everything depends on the type of avocado (its genetics). I have not found any research to support the root pruning advice.
Personally, I would leave everything as it is, plant it, and provide the recommended care as a houseplant.
Kati says
If the seed starts to mildew, is it still good?
Melissa J. Will says
Yes, it may still do fine. Mildew tends to form when the conditions are too damp and/or humid. Carefully wash it off, start with fresh supplies, and choose another location (less humid or warm) making sure the paper towel is not too damp. You can also keep the plastic bag open for better air flow.
Janet says
Is there a point at which you would put more soil to cover the seed from which the tree sprouts? My tree is about 4 inches tall right now.
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Janet, No need to add more soil, it can remain fine with some seed above soil level. Congrats on your little tree!
Veronica says
I’m currently trialing this after only dismal success rate and a 50/50 success rate of straight seed to soil. I have one Young avocado tree standing 2 feet tall, I currently have 4 seeds in a bag of which 2 are almost ready for planting! In my experience the toothpick method works for a short time then they die off!
Linda says
This really works well.
I have a question though. One of the seeds has about eight cream colored fleshy growths around the base. I kept waiting for them to turn into leaves, but they aren’t – flowers?
Melissa J. Will says
Sounds like roots from what you described.
Jana says
This is the best method, by far! I’ve tried 3 toothpicks method and none of the seeds sprouted. I’ve used this method and 5 out of 6 sprouted! Thanks!
Tucker says
When trying to grow and avocado does the pit need to be fresh right from the avecado.
Can u use one that isnt fresh???
Melissa J. Will says
Good question. Try it. If it hasn’t dried out, it could still be viable.
Connie Cooke says
I have tried several times and each time my plant gets tall and leggy. I have tried pinching off the top but it just keeps getting taller, not “bushy”. What am I doing wrong?
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Connie,
You are not doing anything wrong. Some get lateral shoots and others do not.
Over the years I’ve had just a few get bushy but most do not. I suspect it depends on the genes but I’m just guessing since it’s not something we can trace with grocery store avocados.
If you want a guarantee of a bushy tree (or fruit), I think you would have to start with a grafted tree from a seller.
Rasna Hussain says
Thank you. The best instructions ever & I cannot wait to start producing plants from it.
Wish I had come across this web page earlier.
Many thanks.
(From a reader who wants to give up.on toothpick method)
Cara says
Hello! I had 3 pits. Two weren’t cracked open. I put them in water and then transferred to your paper towel method and I swear they cracked open in a few days. The other was already cracked open and had 2-3” roots. I planted it in soil from compost but am worried I planted it too soon. How often should I be watering it?
Thank you!
Cara
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Cara, You want to keep the soil moist without being too damp. There is more on watering here (see section 5): https://empressofdirt.net/grow-avocado-tree/
cara says
Thanks for the reply and new link.
Hoping the pit in soil still has a chance! I’ll pot the other two from the paper towels to soil soon.
Cara
Cara says
Hi! The first pit I write to you about died and so I moved it out of the sun but I kept watering it and about a week later it grew a new stem. Now it’s about 6.5” tall. I planed the other two that I started Using your paper wired method and recently planted them. They sprouted so quickly in the paper towel. I had them in there about a month. They grew a stem in the cupboard too so I thought it was time to plant them. I think they all grow about 1/4” to 1/2” a day. So exciting to watch. I need all the excitement I can during these Covid times. Thanks for this post!
PT says
Hello! Thanks for your article here! I was able to sprout two seeds this way!
Do stems ever look white with pink streaks, or are they always green shoots? I have a white and pink looking stem, but also wasn’t sure if it was just another root. The other roots are plain white.
Thanks for your help!
Melissa J. Will says
It’s a good question. There are lots of variations with the roots and shoots and it can be hard to tell them apart during the various stages of growth.
When I can’t tell what’s what but there is enough growth to warrant potting it, I just go ahead and plant the seed at the depth shown here. The plant always sorts itself out: roots will form in the soil and shoots will continue upward.
I hope yours does well!
Sonia says
Hi Melissa, I’ve been growing my avocado seed in soil, and it is about 20 inches in height, but I’ve been reading a lot about having to cut it back or pinching leaves off. Have you heard about this? Not sure if that’s the advice I should be following. Thanks for your help.
Melissa J. Will says
Yes, you can trim away the stem just above the top leaves. Do it on an angle. Some avocado plants will grow side shoots, others will not. Only time will tell!
Andrew says
Should you always plant the rooted seed in a pot or can you plant it directly outside? If you need to plant it in a pot first at what point can you move it from the pot to the ground?
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Andrew, avocado is a tropical plant so you would only plant it directly outside (or transplant it outside from a pot) if you live in a tropical climate. In cold climates, it can go outside in the summer but I don’t recommend it because they are sensitive to climate changes and the move may cause the leaves to drop off. I keep mine indoors year-round here in Ontario (zone 6b).
Sarah says
Thank you so much for writing this article! My 5 year old daughter and I tried this method. Within 8 weeks we had two seeds sprout with healthy roots. 🙂 We are getting ready to plant the seeds now. Is it possible to plant two seeds together? Will this encourage them to produce fruit sooner?
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Sarah,
Great question. It is actually best to plant them in separate containers so the two plants do not compete for root space and nutrients in the soil. They do not need each other to grow or thrive. Cheers for your daughter for a job well done!
Stephanie says
I know I read it .. but you plant the root facing down? How far from the bottom should the tip of the root be?? Sorry, I just thought the root would be facing up…thank you
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Stephanie,
Roots grow in the soil, shoots grow above the soil. The photo in this section shows the planted seed: about an inch or so is above soil level, everything is buried.
https://empressofdirt.net/grow-avocado-seed-easy/#plant
Takara says
First time avocado grower here! So I have a quick question on the length of time the pit takes to sprout. I have mine in good conditions per your instructions but it’s been a month and I’m only seeing a crack and not a deep crack on the outer (brown) shell. Should I just keep waiting? Or are there lost seeds that just won’t sprout?
Thank you in advanced 🙂
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Takara,
The crack is a good sign but you do have a slow one. My guess is it will sprout eventually but it sounds like it may take a few more weeks. I’d keep it but also start another one too if you can. I’ve had them take anywhere from 2 to 10 weeks to grow enough roots (shoots) for potting.
Adelaide S. says
Hi Melissa! (again)
So sorry for all these questions, its kind of just who I am 🙂
I just wanted to ask concerning my avocado seed, because I realized I accidentally zipped the bag shut, even though I wasn’t supposed to. now, my avocado seed is moulding. Is there anything I can do? Will it still grow?
Thanks so much!!!
Melissa J. Will says
I would rinse it off and carry on.
Alice says
Thank you so much for this guide! I’m already growing a beautiful mango tree thanks you your other guide, and I can’t wait to have an avocado plant as well!
Your instructions are clear, easy to follow and have always worked for me 🙂
Thanks!
Trudee says
If I’ve started a seed the toothpick way, can I switch it to your method? Even if it has started to open?
Melissa J. Will says
Yes you can. No problem!
Timothy Budiiku says
i’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO PLANT AVOCADOS SO THANK YOU EMPRESS OF DIRT AND GOODLUCK TO THOSE OUT THERE TRYING
Yvonne says
This is the best method, I’ve tried with water and planting it right in the pot. This has been the easiest method so far, I’m going to do a few more. Thank you so much.
Adelaide S. says
Hey, Melissa!
I’m trying this for a school project, and I was just wondering how the best way to re-dampen the towel is? I’m about to try it, and I just wanted to make sure I get everything right.
Thanks!
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Adelaide, Great question. It’s fine to take the seed out of the towel and then moisten the towel either with a mister or at the sink with room temperature or warm water. Wring out the excess (until it stops dripping) and then put the seed back inside. You want the seed to always be in contact with moisture (but not too much) and never dry out. Good luck and let me know how it goes.
Adelaide S. says
Thanks so much!
Selena says
Thank you so much for these instructions!
I currently have an almost 2′ tall plant, 2 8″ plants and 3 at 4″ or under! Wow!
I do have a question, I have one of the smaller plants with THREE stalks coming up! Should I leave it or prune two of the stalks?
Thank you!!
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Selena,
You can grow either way. I’ve had multiple stems come up and then some die off. Other times they all keep growing.
The traditional way is to keep one (the strongest) stem. Sometimes other stems reappear after this anyway.
Personally, I think it’s more interesting to have several stems and potentially get a fuller-looking plant.
Selena says
Thank you so much for your reply!! I think I’ll let it be and see what happens!
Linda Chase says
First time I tried this method, I had success…have been using toothpicks for years! My seed has grow over a foot tall and is 4 months old..Thanks for the info!
Linda C
Maria Guerrero says
Thank you for this idea I’ve tried to grow them but placing in water with toothpick now I know it was a mistake!! Thank you I will try this method !
Valeria says
Thank you for this!! Question: have you gotten any avocados from this?
Melissa J. Will says
Nope! The longest I have grown one is about 8 years and conditions were nowhere near optimum for flowering or fruiting. I gave it away after that but I would be very surprised if it ever fruited.
Brenda says
I just put it in compost. Grows great!
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Brenda, It’s great when that happens. However, it works for you because the growing conditions happen to be right without you having to think about them. Another gardener somewhere else may toss it in the compost and nothing happens because their growing conditions are different. So keep doing what you’re doing and I’ll keep helping those who don’t have lucky growing conditions!
Linda chase says
I have been trying to root avocados for years in water and it has never worked. 1St time I tried i a paper towel and left in a closet for 2 months, and the roots were amazing in growth and the sprout came from the side of the seed. No worries…I planted in on it’s side with the roots down and the sprout up….Plant is doing well and is on its 2nd set of leaves Thanks for the info !!!
Melissa J. Will says
Well done, Linda! Glad to hear it worked so nicely.
Mary E Nichols says
Why are the leaves dying and falling off? I pinched the first ones off then the next ones died and fell off and now the last four or five are dying!
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Mary,
This is very common especially in the winter with both diminished light and much drier conditions indoors. The lack of humidity, drafts, and indoor heating is really hard on them.
During the leaf-drop phase I let my avocado plants rest, away from windows and drafts, and keep them hydrated (mist spray, lighter watering).
Despite the loss of leaves, the plants continue growing (new leaves appear up top). By spring and summer the plant will improve.
It’s not pretty but it gets better!
Deanna everest says
I always grow avocado trees. They get about 2 to 3 feet tall then start dying at the top working down to root. What am I doing wrong
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Deanna,
There are many possible factors which are impossible to guess from here – light, humidity levels, watering, soil, nutrition, and more could all play a role.
Where I am in Canada, the change of seasons can really affect an avocado plant even when growing indoors. After weeks or month of forced air heat, the air is so much drier and the plant responds with dry leaves that eventually drop off. These guys would much rather have consistent growing conditions.
With only so much in my control, I let the plant have a rest for the winter, knowing it will perk up again in spring.
Mira Carroll says
This looks like something I can handle. Thank you! I’m going to try it!
Melissa J. Will says
This method is fool proof because you can see if the seed will root before planting it. Much easier than using toothpicks and water.