How to Plant an Apple Tree From Seed

Grow an apple tree from seed with only a few steps.

Apples are eaten whole, sliced and dipped in caramel, baked into pies and chopped into apple sauce. The enjoyment and popularity of apples leads some people to plant and raise apple trees from seeds, so that when the trees mature, they can have a ready supply of fruit. Germinating apple seeds and the subsequent transplanting is a great way to introduce and teach children about the stages of plant growth.

Things You'll Need

• Apple
• Knife
• Zip-close bag
• Paper towel
• Refrigerator
• Paper cups
• Soil
• Water

Instructions

1. Remove the seeds from an apple. Save the seeds from an apple core when finished eating, or cut open an apple with a knife and remove the seeds.

2. Rinse the seeds in water and pat dry with a paper towel. Double a piece of paper towel and place the seeds on the towel. Position the towel and seeds in a warm and dry location so that the exterior moisture will be drawn out and onto the paper towel. Leave the seeds undisturbed for a day or two as a rule of thumb.

3. Fold a piece of paper towel in half and then in half again. Moisten the paper towel with water but do not saturate. Place the apple seeds in the folds of the paper towel so they do not touch. Place the damp paper towel and seeds in a zip-close bag and then place the bag in a refrigerator. Leave the bag and seeds undisturbed for several days.

4. Check the seeds periodically and take the bag out of the refrigerator when the seeds have germinated and sprouts are visible. Remove the paper towel from the plastic zip-close bag.

5. Place a paper cup on a work surface and fill it with 3 to 4 inches of dirt or potting soil. Make a 1/2-inch deep hole in the center of the dirt with your finger.

6. Place the germinated seed in the hole so the sprout extends above the surface of the dirt or soil. Cover the seed with dirt or soil. Water the apple tree sprout thoroughly but do not overwater it. Place in a warm and sunny spot where it will receive at least eight to 10 hours of sunlight per day.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow 10 to 14 days for the seeds to sprout in the refrigerator.

• Allow the tree to reach several inches in height before transplanting. Move the plant to the desired outdoor planting location in the spring after all danger of frost or freeze has passed.

• Water the new apple tree and provide support as needed to keep the tree growing straight. Allow 6 to 10 years for a tree to mature to the point that it will bear fruit.

References

• University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences: Apple Seed to Tree