Germinating avocado seeds

Brought to you by Jane Byrne, our Kids’ Corner Contributor.

It’s a great time to eat yummy avocados. But what about the seed that is inside? Let’s try growing them. I have never attempted this so it’s my first go also. There are two very easy ways to do this and I’m going to try both. Why don’t you try both as well and we can compare our attempts? It will be great fun!

This is what you will need:

• Jars

• Tooth picks or cut down skewers

• Water 

• Avocado seeds

• Zip lock bag

• Paper towel

• Pot / soil

Method 1 - Water germination

Wash your seed gently in water and leave the seed to dry for 24 - 48 hours. Some people remove the outer husk.

With the point of the seed pointing to the sky, place three tooth picks or cut down skewers partially into the seed evenly around the circumference / middle of the seed.

Place the seed over a jar of water, balancing on the toothpicks. The opening of the jar needs to be slightly larger than the seed.

Only half the seed should be covered in water.

Change the water every week.

Your seed will take 2 - 6 weeks to germinate.

When it has germinated and your plant has roots and a stem, plant your seed very carefully into potting soil and keep your plant watered.

Method 2 - Plastic bag germination

Wash your seed gently in water and leave the seed to dry for 24 - 36 hours.

Wrap your seed in damp paper towel.

Place your avocado seed into a zip lock bag.

Store it in a place where it can get a little warmth but not in direct sunlight, it needs humidity.

Continue to check your seed in the bag over a couple of weeks. Once you have roots you can follow the steps of method one by placing your rooted seed with tooth picks in a jar of water, as above.

Have fun and don’t forget to send us an image at operations@opengardensvictoria.org.au