How to Grow an Avocado Tree

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a sprout! While an actual tree may be a while off, these little guys are already defying my dubious expectations (chronicled here). So, as promised, here’s what I did:

Make guacamole, duh!
Remove any remaining flesh. Let the pit sit out for about a day to dry a bit.
Peel the thin, dark brown skin from the tan flesh of the pit.
Stick 3 wooden skewers 1/4″ or so into the pit so as to suspend it about halfway in water.
Place stem-side down in a container filled with water, set on a sunny window sill and wait! You’ll need to refill the water regularly.

I noticed the pits starting to split down the middle about a week in. Another week in, and one of my pits has a visible root growing from the bottom of it, while the other’s root is still in the crack. My friend Kaia left hers to grow in water for several months, until the stem that will (hopefully) eventually come out of the top of the pit was more than 8 inches tall.

Have fun and good luck!