Huge avocado plant

[Knitwit101]

We grew an avocado plant from a seed. It is now over 4 feet high. We put it outdoors all summer and it just grew and grew. The kids are so proud of it but I'm at a bit of a loss.
I have brought it indoors because I assume it needs to be indoors in the winter. I'm really struggling to keep putting it in bigger and bigger pots and carry it indoors in the autumn, find space for it inside. Do I have any other options? I guess not. I need to repot it again but I'm scared. I also need another adult to help me lift it.
What a responsibility, remind me to never grow another avocado seed. The kids will never forgive me if it dies.

I've had mine several years and haven't repotted it. I put it outside in the summer and have cut it back when it gets too leggy. Leave yours in its current pot, which should restrict its growth so that you can cope with it. Mine has been about 2 feet tall and about the same diameter for about 4-5 years now and it seems happy.

I’ve got a few. They’re really tall now. I bring into an I heated outhouse for the winter

Theres an outside full grown heavily fruiting tree in London W11. So theyre tougher than we think. If you're south of the M4 you could try it outside?

Wow. No, decidedly northerly.

Shame, you could have had one of these

How do you grow the seed? I’ve not had any luck.

longeât Off, that's amazing!

I think my phone is on glue today.

Labradoodle, you let the seed dry out for a week or two, then gently peel off it's brown papery skin. Take three toothpicks or those long strong pins with glass heads, and stick them into the seed so they will hold it in the neck of a jar of water ... actually just google Grow Avocado Seed - a picture is worth 1000 words. It's very easy and satisfying.

Its, not it's. Bloody phone.

Are they frost tolerant?? If not could it stay outside and be wrapped in horticultural insulation for the winter, or go in a shed with some insulating coverage (if you have a shed)?? Just keep pruning gangly offshoots and nipping out the top centre so it's encouraged to grow wider rather than endlessly taller?

That sounds really fun. Do you live in a really sunny climate?

I grew one quite successfully years back by just planting half the seed (the fat half) in some nice compost in a sunny spot.

bluetrampolines , me? No. You grow them indoors on a sunny windowsill and they have their summer holiday out of doors.

I have the opposite problem! Mine is a bit spindly and sad.
I read that you're supposed to cut it back once it reaches 12 inches tall and that creates a healthier, fuller plant. Has anyone done this?

@Snomade the best one I've ever grown I cut back by half when it reached 6 inches, then again at 12 inches, and it was lovely. Then I moved and gave it to a friend who forgot to water it...
I haven't done one for ages, I should!

Thanks so much for the advice, @messysurfaces.

You've given me the courage to cut it back. It's been bothering me for ages, but I was nervous about her losing most of her (few) leaves in the process!