How to Prepare Apple Seeds for Planting
Planting apple seeds can be a challenging yet fun project. Seeds from any apple variety will work. It is a challenge to grow an apple tree because the planting and germination process requires a lot of care. You will need to properly prepare the seeds and provide the right conditions to get your seeds to germinate. Be patient. It will take seven to 10 years before you will see apples on the tree. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Apple seeds
- Wax paper
- Seedling tray
- Potting soil
- Cold frame
- Planting pots
Instructions
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1
Remove the seeds from the apple. The seeds are found at the core of the fruit.
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2
Lay the seeds on a piece of wax paper in a cool place and leave undisturbed until they are free of moisture. This will take from four to six weeks.
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3
Place seeds into a seedling tray and cover each seed with one-half inch of potting soil mix. Water every two to three days or whenever the soil dries out.
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4
Place the seedling tray into a cold frame located outdoors in a sunny location and let the seeds begin to germinate and sprout. A cold frame is a simple structure that utilizes solar energy and insulation to create a microclimate in which plants can grow. A very simple cold frame can be made by lining up a few cement blocks and placing an old window frame on top. Cover the cold frame with transparent plastic to protect your seedlings. Water the soil every two to three days or whenever the soil feels dry. More cold frame tips can be found in the "Building and Using a Cold Frame" link located under Resources. It can take up to three months or more for the apple seeds to germinate.
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Repot the seedlings once they have two or more leaf levels. Place the seedlings into larger individual containers where they can continue to grow. The larger containers should be placed inside the cold frame to protect the trees from weather and animal damage. Water trees every three to four days or whenever the soil feels dry. Once the trees reach 12 to 18 inches, you can transplant them into the ground.
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Tips & Warnings
Most apples bought in stores are sterile and the seeds will likely never sprout. Organic apples are said to not be sterile, so use organic apple seeds. If you live in a location that experiences freezing winters, prepare the apple seeds about a month prior to when the last frost usually occurs (late winter to early spring). By the time the seeds are dry, the time will be right to put them into the cold frame.
