The germination game: how to start your avocado pit

The first step: Enjoy eating your avocado when it's ripe

First of all, eating an avocado is really good for you! They're packed with vitamines and healthy fats and contain even more potassium than bananas.
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In our household we're a big fan of a salmon & avocado poké-bowl, and there are many more great recipes to be found online.  
Can't be bothered to go recipe-hunting: simply go for the avocado-on-toast for an easy snack.

Please note: avocado are imported and use a lot of water, so they come with a footprint. Bought from Kenya, Peru, Mexico and Spain, they're labeled an alright choice by Milieucentraal (environmental label B).
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Whatever you do, eat your avocado when it's ripe: check the stem to be certain (here's how this works). 
Here's a little help to store your avocado in the best possible way.

2. The pit-prep, the paper towel and the plastic bag

Gently remove the pit from the avocado without damaging it and clean off all residue. 
Leave the pit in a jar of clean water for 24-48 hours.
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If you want to, you can carefully peel off the outer layer of the pit, exposing the pale wood-like seed. 
Some say this can speed up the germination process, or do it because they simply prefer the look.

Wrap your clean pit in a moist paper towel and put in a plastic bag. Store the bag somewhere dark at room temperature  (in a cabinet is perfect)​
​Check the bag every three days to see if the towel is still moist and/or if the first sprouts are showing yet (can take up to two months). 
​Once the first roots have grown about 2 centimeters we're ready for the next step. 

3. Get out you Helios and let it shine

Get out your Helios constellation and customize the size of the star-shaped opening by folding the perforated lines.

Find a glass vessel (D5,5-8cm) and fill with water. Either go for a used jar or a nice vase: ideally something that's easy to clean and you'll want to look at for a while.

Lay the Helios disk centered on top of the jar/vase and push the inner brass circle downward to fit.

Carefully place your sprouted pit in the disk, making sure the roots are under water and the leaves leaves have room to grow up towards the sun.

Growing on

Change the water every few days to keep the growing plant happy and the developing root system visible.

When the stem reaches 20 cm, cut back to about half to force the creation of more roots.

​If you want to, you can occasionally add nutrients to the water for stronger growth.

We've had avocado plants on water thrive for years, with an ever growing root system to enjoy under water.
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If you're serious about growing an avocado tree make sure to move the plant to soil and keep in a warm and light environment.
(if you can use a little help watering your potted avocado plant, we've got you covered).

Enjoy your homegrown greenery!

Buy Helios now