Peel the outer skin off and then wash it under cold water so the pit is smooth. Then place the pit in a lightweight potting mix leaving about one fourth of the pointed end sticking above the soil level. Then water it and keep the soil moist - but not soaked. Let the soil dry out slightly at the top between waterings to help keep down the possibility of rot. The pit will spit open and a sprout will emerge in about four to six weeks. Take the sprouted pit and plant in a larger pot and keep in a sunny spot, but it's not necessary to put it in direct sunlight.

Once the plant reaches about 6 inches, cut it back to about 3 or 4 inches to increase plant sturdiness and a more complex root structure.

Your avocado plant will grow to about 6 feet tall, but it can be controlled by light pruning. The avocado is a tropical plant, so for growing in the Richmond, Virginia area, be sure to bring it inside when temperatures start to drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

I usually keep my avocado inside during the late fall, winter and early spring, then move it outside when temperatures warm.

Let the soil dry out slightly in between waterings and fertilize with an all purpose fertilizer once in the spring, and then about mid-summer.

If you want your avocado tree to bear fruit, you will need to grow at least two different trees so that cross-pollinating can take place.

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Mark Roscoe
CLP, CTP, Certified Applicator
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