How to Grow an Apple Tree from Apple Seeds

Growing apple trees from apple seeds is a rewarding and easy project any family can enjoy together. While it is easy to do, it is important to remember a few important details. Trees in apple orchards are normally grown through a grafting process, not from seed. Also, seed propagation does not always produce a fruit bearing tree. When fruit is produced, it is often not like the apple it came from, and it may take six or more years to bear fruit! With this in mind, you can still grow an apple tree from an apple seed for fun. Who knows, you may grow the next best variety! Read on for the easy steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Apples
• Plastic bags
• Paper towels
• Water
• Refrigerator
• Small planters (yogurt cups)
• Planters (8-12”)
• Potting soil

1. Eat an apple. What a great first step! Consider trying a few different apples for a variety. Some may grow better than others.

2. Remove the apple seeds from the apple core. Try not to damage the seeds, but get as many as you can. If trying a few different varieties, keep track of which seeds are from which apples.

3. Clean the seeds. Use plain water and your fingers to rub off the apple gunk

4. Dry the seeds. Give them 2-3 days to fully dry out. Cats and even kids can find these amusing items to play with. Keep them out of reach for best results!

5. Refrigerate the seeds. Place the seeds in a damp paper towel folded over a few times. The paper towel will be placed in sealed plastic bag. Remember to label the bags with the type of apple seed in them! The paper towel should be damp, but not dripping. In a week or so, the seeds should have sprouted. Give them another few days to get a little bigger before moving to the next step.

6. Plant the apple seeds. Use a small planter about the size of a yogurt cup. It should be a well draining planter. Use quality potting soil and place the seeds into the soil. Make sure the sprout is above the dirt. Use one planter for each seedling and remember to label accordingly.

7. Grow your seedlings! Place them in a warm, sunny location away from playful cats or curious children. Keep watered but not drenched. Once the trees have gotten too big for the planter, transplant the best trees into larger pots (8-12”). Apple trees are best planted outdoors in early spring or in the fall. You can do this at anytime in the stage of indoor growth.

Tips & Warnings

• If you really want quality apples, this is not the best method. Purchase a young tree from a nursery instead. Consider buying multiple trees for best pollination. This method is a fun project that might result in quality apples.
• Keep the seedling well watered, but not soaking in a pool of water. Planters should be well draining.
• Apple trees need proper pruning for the best chances of quality fruit.

[sonni57]

on 10/1/2009 I love apples so I might just grow me a tree.