Starting Avocado Seeds: Toothpick Method vs. Direct Soil Planting

Toothpick Water Method

Insert 3–4 toothpicks ¼ inch below the flat end. Suspend pit (pointed end down) in a jar of water so ¾ is submerged. Change water when cloudy. Roots appear in 1–6 months.

Direct Soil Planting

Plant pit in a large pot, twice as deep as it is long, in moist (not soggy) soil. Keep very warm (80°F). Germination takes 1–6 months.

Light Is Critical

As soon as green growth appears, pot up and give strong light (south/east window or grow lights). Any time of year is fine to start; just provide light.