Growing Apple Trees from Seed

Right from my childhood days, I was so much interested in growing different plants and trees in my garden. But, not even once, did I think of planting apple seeds, as I had a wrong notion that the seeds of hybridized apples are sterile. Now, I know that whatever knowledge I had about apple trees and seeds was only partly true. Growing apple trees from seed is possible, with a little bit of extra effort. All you need is some patience and a basic idea about how to grow apples from seeds. Read more on facts about apples.

Can You Grow Apples from Seeds?

Apples of commercially bred cultivars are usually delicious. But, most of us do not try to plant the seeds of these apples, as we are doubtful of the results. Most people prefer to grow grafted versions of apple trees, which is produced by grafting or budding the desired variety onto a suitable rootstock. However, apple trees can be grown from seeds too, but, this method has its own limitations. The first and foremost hurdle is that the seeds require suitable conditions for germination. So, you must know the proper method and must provide such conditions.

Even if you become successful in growing apple trees from seeds, there are chances that the tree may not be able to tolerate the local climate. Even if it survives the climate and grows well, there is no guarantee that the apples produced by that tree would taste same as the apple, which contained the seeds (If you are lucky, the fruits would be same or even more delicious). Above all, while a grafted apple tree takes two to three years to produce fruits, an apple tree grown from a seed may take up to six or seven years to yield fruits. In short, you must have lots of patience for growing apple trees from seed. Don't lose heart. You can still try to grow an apple tree from seed or else, entrust your kids with the task. They will be more than happy to undertake this work and grow up with the apple tree, they have grown from seeds.

Read more on:

• Grafting Fruit Trees
• Steps of Seed Germination

How to Grow Apples from Seeds?

Growing apples from seeds is not a difficult task, if you know the proper methods of germinating and stratifying (treating with cool temperatures). The seeds never germinate, if you fail to stratify it. This can be one reasons for the common belief that apple seeds are sterile. Let us forget all these speculations and try to find out the proper methods of growing apple trees from seed.

• First of all, save the seeds of an apple, you like and let it dry for about one month. Keep the seeds on a wax paper and make sure to roll them over, at least once in every two days. The dark-colored shiny seeds will become dry, lose the waxy sheen and become lighter in color.
• Once the seeds become dry, put them in a container or zip lock bag and place it in the refrigerator. It will take around two months for the seeds to germinate. Make sure that you keep enough seeds, because only 20% to 30% of the seeds will germinate.
• You may also bury the dry seeds in a well drained potting mix in seedling tray. The seeds should be buried at least half inch deep into the soil. Place the tray on a cold frame and wait till the seeds sprout.
• In either cases (seeds kept in the refrigerator or the seedling tray), the sprouted seeds can be potted in bigger containers as soon as they develop more than three leaves.
• Keep the containers with apple seedlings in a sunny window and keep the soil of the container moist.
• Let the plants grow there itself until it gets large enough to be planted on the ground. The location for planting apple trees from seeds should get about 12 hours of full sunshine per day and should be well ventilated.
• Young trees should be fertilized and pruned properly and at appropriate time. Your apple trees will produce fruits within a few years. If you find it delicious, well and good. If not, you can use it for making apple cider vinegar or try some other recipes with apples. Read more on how to grow an apple orchard.

Now, you know more about growing apple trees from seed and there is no more doubt regarding the seeds being sterile. You can share this information with your friends and neighbors, so that you can start this venture of growing apple trees from seed, jointly.