Most apple trees are propagated through grafting. Also, it takes a long time to grow an apple tree from seed. It will be between 7 to 10 years before you’re able to tell if your tree will have good fruit.
Can I grow an apple tree from an apple seed?
It is possible to grow an apple tree from an apple seed. However, in most cases, apple trees don’t come true from seeds. For example, a seed taken from a Red Delicious apple will not produce a Red Delicious apple tree. Seedling apple trees are genetically different and usually inferior to the parent tree.
How do you germinate an apple seed?
Make a small hole in the soil with your fingertip or the tip of a pencil, drop the seed in and cover it with soil, then water thoroughly. Keep the soil slightly moist, and when leaves begin to emerge, transfer the pots to a sunny window. Plant the strongest seedlings in the ground when they are a few inches tall.
How do you prepare apple seeds for planting?
The seeds need to be kept under moist refrigeration for at least 6 weeks before they’re planted. Place apple seeds in a moist paper towel, and then put that paper towel inside a plastic bag, leaving it open just a crack for air exchange.
How long does it take an apple tree to grow from a seed? – Related Questions
What month do you plant apple seeds?
If you live in a colder climate with all four seasons, then your best bet for when to plant apple trees is in early spring once the ground thaws. But if you’re in an area where the ground doesn’t freeze in the winter, then you’ll want to wait until early fall for when to plant apple trees and thus avoid a cruel summer.
Can you put apple seeds straight into soil?
Yes you can, but the tree that grows won’t be the same as the tree that the seed came from. Apples do not reproduce true to type, meaning that the tree from the seed will produce apples that are almost certain to be different than the parent.
Should you soak apple seeds before planting?
How to Prepare Apple seeds for planting. Soak the seeds in a bowl full of cool water for an hour. Use as many seeds as you have as the germination rate is only likely to be a third to half of them so they aren’t all going to sprout.
Do apple seeds need to be dried before planting?
The seeds need a dry out period followed by a stratification period. If you skip these 2 steps you probably won’t have success germinating your apple seeds. If you want to germinate apple seeds collected from an apple first let the seeds dry out for 3-4 weeks.
What is the fastest way to germinate apple seeds?
Soak in Moist Paper Towel
You may see other methods where the seeds are placed in moist potting mix instead of paper towel. I prefer paper towel because it makes it easy to check on the seeds and see any sign of sprouting without having to dig them out and rinse them off.
How many apple seeds do you need to plant an apple tree?
We need to have at least 3 dozens of apple seeds, because on average, only 1 out of 4 seeds will germinate and will manage to develop into a young tree finally. We first let the seeds dry and then we carefully wrap every 2-3 seeds into a wet towel.
What happens if you only plant one apple tree?
One tree is not enough
To set fruit, the vast majority of apple trees require a different variety grown nearby for pollination. While some apple varieties are self-pollinating, even they produce more fruit with another variety nearby.
Can I grow an apple tree indoors?
“It is very possible to grow fruit trees indoors! But it is best to purchase the dwarf varieties (for size) and the most mature trees (faster fruiting times) available,” she says. Most fruit trees, she adds, need bright, full sun for approximately 6-8 hours a day all year long to present with fruit.
Can apple trees survive in pots?
Surprisingly apples will grow in quite modest containers, providing you pay attention to watering and feeding. However a larger pot does not dry out as quickly and will be more stable when the tree is in leaf and laden with fruit. So choose a large, heavy pot, ceramic, or plastic if you prefer.
Can apple trees live in pots?
Yes, you can grow apple trees in smaller containers, but if you are in doubt, bigger is better than smaller. Whatever the size, be sure it has drainage holes. Get a wheeled base to put the pot on so you can easily move the tree around.
Can potted apple trees survive winter?
Yes, potted apple trees can survive winter. However, potted trees are more exposed to the dangers of frost than those rooted in the ground. So, there are some extra steps to take to protect them: Place a chicken wire around your potted tree, but leave a 6-inch space between them.
How do you winterize an apple tree?
Winterizing Tips
Avoid fertilizing past midsummer to discourage new growth late in the season. Water deeply in the fall a few times before the first freeze, especially during a dry season. Prune while trees are dormant, in late winter or early spring.
What time of year is best to plant an apple tree?
Planting Time
In cold northern climates, spring is the best time to plant apple trees. In areas where winter is less severe, early spring or late fall planting is recommended. Remove weeds and grass in a 4-foot circle and dig a hole about 2 feet deep and twice the diameter of the root ball of the tree.