How to Plant Apple Tree from Seeds

If you want to grow apple trees from scratch, starting with seeds is the best way to do it. Growing apple trees from seeds is an easy yet rewarding process that requires some patience and a few gardening tools. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to plant apple tree from seeds.

Step 1: Acquiring Apple Seeds

The first step in the process is to acquire apple seeds. The quickest way to do this is by getting them from the apple fruit that you bought from the grocery store. Simply cut open the apple and extract the seeds. Alternatively, you can collect seeds from apples that are growing on an apple tree.

Note: It is important to remember that the apple seed you plant may not grow into the same type of apple tree as the one you got the seed from. This is because apple trees grown from seeds are not true to type, which means they inherit random characteristics from their parents.

Step 2: Preparing the Soil

The soil for growing apple trees should be well-draining and rich in nutrients. You can improve the soil quality by adding organic matter such as compost, manure, or mulch. Before planting, loosen the soil up to a depth of about 12 inches with a shovel or tiller, and then remove any rocks or debris that you may find.

Step 3: Planting the Seeds

Once you have prepared the soil, it's time to plant the apple seeds. Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep in rows that are about 10-12 inches apart. Water the soil gently and keep it moist until the seeds germinate, which can take up to three weeks depending on the variety and the conditions.

Step 4: Nurturing the Seedlings

Once the seedlings have emerged, you'll need to take good care of them. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, and make sure it gets enough sunlight. If you are growing the seedlings indoors, provide them with adequate artificial lighting. You will also need to fertilize the seedlings every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

Step 5: Transplanting the Seedlings

When the seedlings have grown to a height of about 6 inches, it's time to transplant them to their permanent location. Choose a location with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Space the trees about 20-25 ft apart to ensure adequate room for growth.

When transplanting, carefully dig up the seedlings from their current location with a spade and then gently loosen the soil around the roots. Remove any damaged or diseased roots and then plant the seedlings in the prepared hole. Water them well and add a layer of mulch around the base of each seedling to retain soil moisture.

Step 6: Caring for Young Apple Trees

Young apple trees require regular care to grow healthy and strong. Water them deeply once a week, and make sure they get enough sunlight. Fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer in the spring, every six weeks. Prune the trees when they are young, to promote healthy branching and structure, and remove any dead or diseased branches.

In conclusion, planting apple trees from seeds is a fun and rewarding way to start growing apple trees. While it may take some time and effort, the end result is worth it. With the right care, patience and nurturing, your apple tree seedlings will grow into healthy and productive trees that will provide delicious fruit for years to come.