Grow an Avocado Tree

This week we are making an Avocado Pit. It’s going to take a few weeks so bear with us.

My 4-year-old thought he could plant a stick, and if he watered it, it would turn into a tree, so I thought this would introduce him to the concept of a root.

How to grow an avocado from a pit

• Cut the avocado carefully, trying not to injure the stone ( pit ).
• Wash the pit, to remove the flesh, but do not remove the brown outer covering, this is the seed cover.
• Stick four toothpicks into the pit to a depth of about 5mm.
• Fill a glass jar with water and place the pit on top, balanced with the toothpicks. It should be half covered with water, with the pointed end up. Leave it on a windowsill or somewhere else, and it will get lots of light.
• Change the water every two days to prevent mould and contaminants from damaging the roots. Make sure you keep the base submerged in water.
• Wait and watch. The brown outer layer should wrinkle and come off, the pit should start to split, and a root should emerge from the bottom.

Further instructions and the science behind it to follow!

Last Updated on March 6, 2025 by Emma Vanstone