How to Grow an Avocado Tree Indoors β Step-by-Step Guide
If youβve ever dreamed of growing your own avocado tree, youβll be happy to know itβs easier than it looks. Whether youβve bought a young avocado tree from a nursery or want to start from seed, this guide will help you plant, care for, and nurture your avocado tree so it thrives indoors.
π₯ How to Grow an Avocado Tree from a Pit
Growing an avocado tree from a pit is one of the most rewarding (and budget-friendly) gardening projects you can do at home. It does take patience β roots can take up to six weeks to appear β but watching your avocado sprout from seed is worth the wait.
What Youβll Need:
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Avocado seed
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4 toothpicks
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Glass or jar
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Water
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Potting soil
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Pot
Steps:
1οΈβ£ Wash the pit thoroughly and remove the thin brown skin.
2οΈβ£ Insert four toothpicks evenly around the pit, about halfway up.
3οΈβ£ Suspend the pit (pointy end up) over a glass of water so that the bottom half stays submerged.
4οΈβ£ Place the glass in a sunny spot and top up the water every few days.
5οΈβ£ After several weeks, youβll notice roots forming below and a stem sprouting above.
6οΈβ£ Once the stem grows a few inches tall, trim it back by half to encourage healthy branching.
7οΈβ£ When the roots are thick and strong, transfer the seedling into a pot with potting soil, leaving about a quarter of the seed above the soil line.
βοΈ Pro Tip: Avocados love sunlight, so keep your new plant near a bright window.
π± Repotting Avocado Plants in Six Easy Steps
Avocado trees grow fast! Repot every spring during the first few years to give your tree room to expand.
1οΈβ£ Check if itβs root-bound. Gently remove the plant from its pot. If roots are circling or packed tightly, itβs time to upgrade.
2οΈβ£ Choose the right pot. Go only 2β3 inches larger than the previous one and make sure it has drainage holes.
3οΈβ£ Free the roots. Gently untangle them and trim any damaged roots.
4οΈβ£ Add soil. Use the same potting mix from the previous pot for consistency.
5οΈβ£ Plant at the same level. Keep one-quarter of the seed above the soil surface.
6οΈβ£ Water thoroughly. After watering, refill any settled areas with more soil.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep pests off my avocado tree?
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers as they promote quick growth and attract pests. Donβt plant your avocado near a vegetable garden or perennial bed where bugs are most likely to be found.
Will a pit-produced avocado tree bear fruit?
Yes. It can take up to 10 years or more from the time the pit is planted. Avocado pits take much longer to bear fruit than a grafted tree, which takes half the time to bear fruit (5 years).
How do I take care of an avocado tree?
Water the tree deeply and often. Let it dry out before watering again. Mulch the tree with 3-4 inches of coarse pine bark to conserve moisture. Make sure you leave a few inches between the tree trunk and mulch. Avoid fertilizing the tree during the first year of planting.
How do I grow an avocado tree indoors?
Growing avocados indoors is easy and a lot of fun. Simply plant the sprouted seed in an unglazed clay pot thatβs at least 10 inches deep or twice as deep as the roots. Add a potting mix blended with compost and sand to create a fast-draining, loose composition. Lastly, make sure your avocado tree receives plenty of direct sun.
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πΈ Bringing a Bit of Nature Indoors
Growing your own avocado tree isnβt just rewarding β itβs a sustainable, eco-friendly way to connect with nature. Whether you grow from seed or care for a nursery plant, your indoor avocado tree can thrive for years and bring a touch of green life into your home.
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For more information on this amazing treeΒ readΒ more hereΒ on Trees.com
1 Comments
I live in Star valley az, my tree got slight frost damage on leaves, I brought it inside and all except one leaf fell off, do you think it might survive?
By Marie
Nov 27, 2022