Growing Your Own Avocado Tree

Select a healthy, ripe avocado from the store or farmer's market. A ripe avocado will yield slightly to gentle pressure. Avoid using overripe or mushy ones. Did you know? Avocado trees can live for over 100 years!

Carefully remove the seed without damaging it. Rinse off any remaining fruit. Surprisingly, the top and bottom of the seed are distinct. The top is pointier, while the bottom is flat and should face downwards when planting.

Insert toothpicks into the seed and suspend it over a glass of water, ensuring the bottom half is submerged. Place in a sunny spot. Fun fact: Avocado seeds contain a natural anti-microbial compound called persin.

Once roots are 3 inches long, plant the seed in a pot with well-draining soil, leaving the top half exposed. Water regularly. Avocado trees have a rare trait called 'dichogamy,' meaning their flowers change sex to promote cross-pollination.

Keep the tree in a sunny location and water it deeply but infrequently. Prune annually to shape and promote growth. Did you know? Avocado leaves contain anise-like compounds, which can repel insects and pests naturally.

Avocado trees evolved to coexist with megafauna like giant ground sloths, which dispersed the large seeds.