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Growing an avocado tree is a simple and fun project, one that both you and your children will have fun doing. Although a tree grown from a pit may reach fifteen feet, it will rarely produce fruit. In order for an avocado tree to bear fruit, it must be grafted; but that's a topic for another article. All you will need to grow an avocado tree is a clean avocado pit, a glass jar, three toothpicks, a sunny window, an 8-10" flowerpot, some rich soil, and a little patience.
Step 1:

Start by enjoying a delicious and highly nutritious avocado (no cholesterol, no sodium, more potassium than a banana, high in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin E). When you're finished, wash the pit well, making sure to remove any of the green fruit still clinging to it, and wipe it dry.

Step 2:

Stick three toothpicks around the middle of the pit (the widest part). Place the pit, pointed end up, in a glass or Mason jar filled with water. The toothpicks will rest on the edge of the glass and allow the bottom of the pit to sit in water. Every day, check to make sure that the bottom inch of the pit is in water and the top is in the air.

Step 3:

Place your jar or glass in a warm bright spot, but avoid direct sun. After about 2-6 weeks, the pit will split and a stem and roots will begin to grow. When the stem is about 6"-7", pinch it back to about 3". Don't panic because you are removing a beautiful set of leaves; this is necessary for the tree to grow properly. 2-3 weeks later when the roots look strong and the stem has grown a new set of leaves, it is time to plant the pit in soil.

Step 4:

Fill a flowerpot with an 8"-10" diameter with a high quality potting soil. Don't try to save a dollar using the cheap stuff. Plant the pit in the center of the pot; be sure that the top half of the pit is above the soil and in fresh air. Gently press the soil down to remove any air pockets.

Step 5:

Water the plant well and place it in a sunny location. The more sun the plant gets, the faster it will grow. Continue to keep the soil moist but not overly wet as the tree grows. Yellow leaves mean the plant is overwatered; let it dry out or you will kill the roots. Brown tips indicate too much salt in the soil. Make sure the plant is not sitting in water and absorbing the salts that have leached out. Water the plant until water comes out of the bottom drip hole to remove the salts from the soil.

Step 6:

When the stem grows another 12" or so, cut it back several inches; this will encourage side shoots and the plant will be bushier. Continue to pinch back the stems every time the plants grows another 6"-8", cutting off one or two sets of leaves. I know it's hard to remove perfectly fine leaves but if you don't your tree will be tall, spindly, and not very attractive. 

Follow these simple directions, and you will have a great tree for a sunny location in your home. If you decide to place your avocado tree outside on your porch, make sure you bring it in before the temperature dips below 45 degrees or all of your work will have been in vain.
About this Author:
Judy Feldstein founded Foliage Unlimited Inc, one of the largest interior plant maintenance companies in Arizona, in 1976. For more information about the care and selection of  house plants, plants that clean the air, or selecting the right plants for your office, home, or business go to: www.foliageunlimited.net or contact Judy directly (judy@foliageunlimited.net).
View more information and all guides by Judy Feldstein

Comments

I always enjoy avocado so this is a great idea.

Mary Norton's picture
By Mary Norton 9 weeks 17 hours

    If you'd like to try to grow pineapple also, try twisting the crown off, where the green hard leaves are attached, and rooting it in water. After roots appear plant it in loose soil. May bear pineapples in two or three years. Look for a more detailed article on how to grow pineapples in the near future.

    By Judy Feldstein 8 weeks 1 day