How to Propagate Apple Trees
Luscious apples can be propagated either from apple seeds or cuttings off of a mature tree. There are several ways to propagate apple trees; however, using seeds and cuttings are the simplest ways that just about anyone can do. With a little effort and a few items, you can grow your very own apple trees from seeds or small branches in a short amount of time. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Apple seeds
- Water spray bottle
- Pencil
- Small bag of top soil
- Medium-size pots
- Seedling tray
- Saran wrap
- Small bag of sand
- Small bag of peat moss
- Root hormone for fruit trees
Instructions
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Propagate Apple Seeds
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1
Remove seeds from an apple or purchase them from an orchard or nursery.
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2
Ensure that seeds are free from moisture by placing them in a dark and dry place to dry out for several weeks.
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3
Fill a seedling tray with topsoil. Take a pencil and puncture into the center of each seedling tray slot to form a hole. Place an apple seed into each hole and cover with the topsoil.
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4
Lightly spray the soil with a spray bottle full of water. Be careful not to over-saturate the soil. Soil should be damp and not soggy.
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5
Cover the seedling tray with Saran wrap and place in a dimly lighted area.
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6
Remove and replace Saran wrap every few days to prevent excess condensation from forming on the plastic.
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7
Replant seedlings after a sprout has produced a couple or more leaves into medium-size pots.
Propagate Apple Tree Cuttings
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8
Make an equal mixture of peat moss and sand then place in a medium-size pot. Dig out a small hole in the dirt mixture that is centered in the pot with your fingers.
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9
Cut a small branch that is between half of a foot and a foot in length in the late spring such as early May with pruning shears from the parent apple tree. Notch the base of the branch with your cutting shears. Ensure that the notch is an inch in length.
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10
Dip the branch into the root hormone per the instructions on the product packaging.
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11
Place the notched end of the apple tree branch into the hole that is inside the pot. Cover with the dirt mixture and gently pack down around the base. Spray water onto the dirt mixture until it becomes damp to the touch. Ensure that the soil is always damp.
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12
Check for root growth before planting. Lightly tug on the base of the apple tree branch to check for resistance, which means a successful propagation.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Expect five or more years until your seed or propagated apple trees begin producing a fruit crop.
Replant new apple trees in the late spring.
Ensure that the root hormone can be used on fruit trees by reading the back of the packaging or talking to your local nursery.
