Can I Plant an Apple Tree from an Apple Seed?

Many people wonder whether they can grow an apple tree from the seeds of an apple they just ate. The short answer is yes, it is possible to plant an apple tree from an apple seed. However, there are a few things you need to know before you try this.

What You Need to Know before Planting an Apple Seed

First, it is important to understand that apple trees do not always come true to the parent tree from which the seeds were taken. This means that the resulting tree may produce apples that taste different from the parent tree, or that the apples are smaller or not as good quality.

Also, it takes a long time for an apple seed to grow into a mature apple tree that can produce fruit - usually between 6 and 10 years. So if you are looking for a quicker and more reliable method of growing an apple tree, you may want to consider purchasing a grafted apple tree from a nursery or garden center.

Another thing to consider is that apple trees require a certain number of cold days in order to produce fruit. This means that if you live in a warm climate, your apple tree may not produce fruit or may produce poor-quality fruit.

Steps for Planting an Apple Seed

If you still want to try planting an apple seed, here are the steps you need to follow:

Eat an apple and save the seeds.

Clean the seeds by removing all the flesh around them.

Dry the seeds by laying them on a paper towel in a warm, dry place for a few days.

Prepare a pot that is at least 8 inches deep and fill it with good quality potting soil.

Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep in the soil, and water them thoroughly.

Place the pot in a sunny window or under grow lights and water the seeds regularly.

Transplant the seedling to a larger pot or to your garden once it has grown to about 6 inches tall.

Remember, the resulting tree may not produce the same quality apples as the parent tree, and it will take several years before it produces fruit, if it produces fruit at all. Nevertheless, planting an apple seed can be a fun and rewarding project that teaches you about the wonders of nature.