Can You Plant Apple Trees with Apple Seeds?

As an apple lover, you might find yourself wondering if you could plant apple trees with apple seeds. The truth is, it's more complicated than you might think. While it's possible to grow apple trees from apple seeds, it's not the most reliable method, and the resulting tree may not produce the best quality fruit. So, let's dive into the details of planting apple trees with apple seeds.

What You Need to Know About Apple Seeds

Before we get started on planting apple trees with apple seeds, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, apple seeds are not true to type, meaning the tree that grows from them might not produce apples that are identical to the parent tree's fruit. Secondly, apple seeds require a period of cold stratification before they will germinate. This means they need to experience a period of cold temperatures to break their dormancy cycle and to begin to sprout.

The Germination Process

To start the germination process, you'll need to extract the seeds from the apples and wash off any pulp or residue. After that, place the seeds in a plastic bag with some moistened soil or peat moss and store them in a cold location, such as a fridge, for around 3-4 months. This will simulate the winter stratification process that the seed would have gone through in nature. After this time, the seeds should be ready to plant.

Planting Apple Seeds

Once the seeds have undergone the cold stratification process, you can begin to plant them. Firstly, fill a pot with high-quality potting soil and plant the seed at a depth of around ?-1 inch. Next, water the soil well and cover the pot with plastic wrap to keep the soil moist. Place the pot in a bright, warm location and wait for the seed to sprout.

The Pros and Cons of Planting Apple Trees with Apple Seeds

While it's possible to grow apple trees from apple seeds, it's important to consider the pros and cons before making a decision. One of the advantages of growing an apple tree from seed is the satisfaction of creating something from scratch. Additionally, you'll have a unique tree that is not available commercially. However, there are also several disadvantages to consider. Firstly, the tree may take up to 7 years to produce fruit, and even then, the fruit may be of lower quality or different from the parent tree. Furthermore, the tree may be susceptible to diseases or pests due to its genetic variability.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, it's possible to grow apple trees from apple seeds, but it's not the most reliable method. If you're willing to put in the time and effort, planting apple trees from seeds can be rewarding, but be prepared to wait several years for results. Alternatively, consider purchasing apple trees from a reputable nursery, where you can get a tree that has been grafted onto a hardy rootstock and is guaranteed to produce high-quality fruit.