Avocado Seed with Three Sprouts: Polyembryony Explained

You’re growing avocado from seed in the US Virgin Islands. One seed has three stems emerging. Is this normal? Three plants? Plant as one?

Polyembryony

The seed has multiple embryos—one sexual (cross-pollinated), two asexual (clones of mother). Sexual seedling variable; asexual ones replicate mother’s traits.

What to Do

1. Let all three grow; see which survive.
2. If mother has desirable traits, keep asexual seedlings.
3. Separate when large enough (sharp clean knife) or trim unwanted shoots.

Resources

• University of Florida: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg213
• California Avocado Society: californiaavocadosociety.org/growing.html