Commercial apple varieties usually originate from grafted trees rather than seeds. Yet growing an apple tree from seed is an exciting experiment that children and adults alike will enjoy doing together.
Before apple seeds can begin germinating, they must first be exposed to cool and humid environments, also known as cold stratification. This naturally occurs outdoors over winter.
Growing apple trees from seeds is an enjoyable and fulfilling project, perfect for teaching kids about science and nature, or being used in a science fair experiment. To increase chances of success, stratification (exposing seeds to cold conditions for an extended period) should be completed prior to planting; this mimics what they would experience outdoors during winter.
Refrigeration is ideal, although you can stratify seeds anytime between mid-January and late spring in any refrigerator. To stratify seeds, place them in a glass jar filled with moist sphagnum peat moss or sand and seal it jar securely.
Refrigerate the jar for 3-4 months until its seeds lose their dark sheen and attain a lighter dry look. You will know your seeds are ready to plant when their surface no longer shines brightly with oil.
Many gardeners who plant apple seeds do so under the assumption that the resultant tree will produce fruit that matches that of which the seed came. Unfortunately, however, this isn't always the case: apple trees are hybrids (sometimes even clones) that cross-pollinate when their flowers fall, creating offspring which bear characteristics from both parents.
Cold stratifying seed will increase your odds of successful germination and is best done over winter or early spring (once all danger of frost has passed). This process mimics nature by placing moist paper towel layers between each seed, then placing in an unairtight plastic bag until all danger has passed - this should speed germination rates as well as reduce some undesirable characteristics that sometimes appear with non-grafted seedlings.
Growing Apple trees from seeds is a rewarding project, yet it requires patience and time. Furthermore, the trees may become susceptible to diseases or insects. Therefore, for beginners it is advised that nursery-grown trees be purchased rather than trying to cultivate them from seeds.
Apple seeds require cool moist conditions in order to germinate and emerge from dormancy, with fall/winter being the ideal times for planting them outdoors. You can also plant indoors at other times of year using an old margarine tub as long as they receive adequate treatment - layer sand in its bottom, add apple seeds on top, cover them with more sand and punch some small holes into its lid for proper ventilation.
Seeds typically take one month to germinate and, once they do, should be placed into pots containing high quality potting soil. Water frequently to maintain an evenly moist environment for your seeds to flourish in.
Growing apples from seeds is an enjoyable experiment, yet the tree you end up with may not resemble the apple from which the seed was taken. Because of this, apple trees are typically propagated via grafting rather than seed.
To help your seeds germinate and flourish, they must break dormancy by being exposed to cold temperatures - this process is known as stratification. Begin by placing moist sand in an old margar tub or plastic bag; add apple seeds; cover with another layer of moist sand; then repeat as necessary until all seed are germinated and growing!
Refrigerate the seeds for several weeks to ensure they don't rot before planting them in soil. Add compost as a soil amendment and water well afterwards - keeping an eye out for signs of disease or pests and spraying accordingly. Finally, set your seedlings out into sunlight where possible while monitoring for signs of disease or pests to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
