Starting Avocado from Pit: Toothpick Method vs. Direct Planting

Kelley wants to grow avocado from a grocery-store pit. Two approaches work:

Classic Toothpick Method

1. Wash pit; insert 3–4 toothpicks ¼ inch below the flat end, ½ inch deep.
2. Suspend pointed-end-down in a jar of water (toothpicks rest on rim).
3. Change water every 2 days.
4. In 4–8 weeks, a white root emerges from the tip.
5. Plant in a deep pot (2× pit length) in moist potting mix.

Direct Soil Method (Slower, Less Risk)

• Plant pit directly in a deep pot, pointed end up, half-exposed.
• Keep warm, moist, bright.
• Germination takes longer but avoids root damage during transplant.

Key Care Points

• Bright light once sprouted—leggy growth indoors is normal.
• Move outdoors after frost; acclimate 1 week in dappled shade.
• Pinch tip at 4 feet to encourage branching.
• Winter: cool, bright, minimal water, no fertilizer (semi-dormant).

Remember: seed-grown avocados take 7–10+ years to fruit (if ever) and won't match the parent. For fruit, buy grafted.