How do you sprout an avocado seed?

Remove the seed from the center of the fruit and wash it in water.  For propagation purposes, the broad end of the seed is the bottom.  The pointed end is the top.  Insert 3 or 4 toothpicks into the sides of the seed.  They should be placed about halfway up the seed.  Then suspend the seed in a glass of water.  The bottom one-fourth of the seed should rest in water.  The seed should sprout within a few weeks.  During this time, periodically add water to maintain the initial water level.  If the seed doesn’t sprout within 2 months, discard it and begin another.  Roots are usually the first to emerge from the seed.  The stem appears later.  Pot the seedling when the root system has become well developed; the roots should be at least 2 to 3 inches long. 

Remove the toothpicks and plant the avocado in a 6- to 8-inch-diameter pot using a commercial potting mix.  Position the seed in the center of the pot.  The top of the seed should be level with the soil surface.  After potting, water thoroughly, then place the plant in a brightly lit location.  A location near an east or west window is ideal.  Water the plant regularly.  Keep the soil moist, but not wet.  To encourage branching, pinch out the growing point when the avocado seedling is 12 to 15 inches tall.  Fertilize once or twice a month in spring and summer with a dilute fertilizer solution.