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A vibrant bowl of freshly made guacamole with chunky avocado and cilantro.

Proven way to grow guacamole in 8 weeks

This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to growing your own guacamole from an avocado pit, a surprisingly simple and rewarding process.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 56 days
Servings: 1 plant

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 Avocado pit
  • 3-4 Toothpicks
  • 1 Glass of water
  • 1 cup Potting soil
  • 1 Pot with drainage holes
Fertilizer (optional)
  • as needed Houseplant fertilizer

Equipment

  • Glass
  • Pot (8-10 inch)
  • Toothpicks

Method
 

Sprouting the Seed
  1. Carefully wash the avocado pit to remove any avocado residue, then insert three to four toothpicks evenly around the middle of the pit, pointing slightly downwards.
  2. Suspend the pit over a glass of water, ensuring the broader end of the pit is submerged in about an inch of water.
  3. Place the glass in a warm spot out of direct sunlight and change the water every few days to prevent mold growth.
  4. Observe the pit over the next 2-8 weeks as it develops a taproot from the bottom and a sprout from the top; replenish water as needed.
Potting the Sprout
  1. Once the stem is about 6-7 inches tall, prune it back to about 3 inches to encourage bushier growth.
  2. Fill a 8-10 inch diameter pot with drainage holes with rich potting soil, leaving about an inch from the rim.
  3. Carefully place the avocado pit in the center of the pot, ensuring the top half of the pit remains exposed above the soil line.
  4. Water the newly planted avocado thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then place it in a sunny location.
Ongoing Care
  1. Water your avocado plant regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.
  2. Fertilize sparingly every three months with a balanced houseplant fertilizer, following the product instructions.
  3. Monitor for pests and diseases, addressing any issues promptly with appropriate organic solutions.

Notes

Keep a close eye on the water level during the sprouting phase, and be patient—some pits take longer than others to sprout! You can grow multiple avocado plants at once to increase your chances of success and to have a backup in case one doesn't thrive.