Use the pit from an avocado to grow an avocado tree!
Grow an Avocado Tree
Materials- The pit of an avocado
- Toothpicks
- A glass
- Water
- Begin by carefully removing the pit from an avocado and washing it gently in warm water.
- You will next need to determine the top of the pit from the bottom. The bottom is wider and has a bump on it, which is where the new roots will form.
- If desired you can peel the skin from the pit for faster germination. This step isn't necessary though.
- Use toothpicks to skewer the top of the avocado pit, and then submerge the pit in a glass of water ensuring that the bottom portion of the pit is facing down.
- That's it! Set the glass in a sunny window and change the water every few days. Have kids observe the seed over the next couple of weeks.
The Results
My girls loved checking for changes daily. As they observed the glass they recorded what they saw in a journal.
What to Expect:
- In 3-4 weeks you will have a budding tree that is ready to be planted in soil!
Tips & Expectations:
- You can plant your tree directly into the ground, but I recommend using a planter so that the tree can be brought inside when temperatures drop below 50 degrees.
- Keep plant soil moist but not saturated.
- Once your tree reaches six inches in height you will want to trim it back a bit. You can read more about trim care here.
- Be patient! It can take anywhere from 3-15 years for an avocado tree to produce fruit, and that's if it ever does. There is no guarantee. What is guaranteed though is a fun and educational experience that your children will enjoy!
