How to Plant Apple Seeds

Choosing the Seeds

Before planting apple seeds, make sure to choose the right type of apples. Opt for apple seeds from organic or heirloom apples, rather than conventional apples, as they are less likely to have been treated with chemicals.

Remove the seeds from ripe apples, wash them carefully, and let them dry in a cool and dry place for a few days. Alternatively, you can buy apple seeds from a reliable source or collect them from fallen apples in the fall.

Preparing the Soil

Apple trees thrive in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Prepare the soil by tilling it to a depth of at least 10 inches and adding organic matter, such as compost, aged manure or leaf mold. Mix the organic matter well into the soil.

Choose a sunny and sheltered spot for planting the seeds, away from other trees and buildings, and dig a hole that is at least twice as large as the root ball. Make sure the soil is loose and crumbly, free of rocks, roots, and debris.

Planting the Seeds

Plant apple seeds in the spring, after the last frost, when the soil is warm and moist. Place the seeds about an inch deep in the soil, spaced 4 to 6 inches apart.

Water the seeds thoroughly and cover the planting area with a layer of mulch, such as straw, hay, or wood chips, to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Caring for the Seedlings

Apple seedlings need plenty of water, sunshine, and nutrients to grow strong and healthy. Water the soil regularly, but avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot.

Thin the seedlings to one per planting spot when they are about 6 inches tall, and fertilize them with a balanced and slow-release fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, according to the package instructions.

Prune the seedlings to remove any damaged or diseased branches, and train them to grow straight and tall by staking them or tying them gently to a support.

Harvesting the Apples

Apple trees grown from seeds may take several years to bear fruit, and their fruits may not be identical to the parent apple. However, they can be a fun and rewarding way to grow your own apples.

When the apples reach maturity, usually in the late summer or fall, pick them carefully by hand or with a pruning shears. Store them in a cool and dry place, such as a cellar or a refrigerator, and enjoy the delicious taste of your homegrown apples!