Nothing is more pleasant than seeing a tree full of delicious apples that are ready to be plucked. Apples are a classic fall flavor.
However, what is the origin of these trees? Naturally, they are cultivated from seed, just like any other plant. On the other hand, apple seeds are rarely advertised at the garden store. Rather, you’ll discover tiny apple trees that are prepared for planting.
Why is that? More importantly, is it possible to grow apple trees at home using preserved seeds from apples you’ve purchased at the grocery store or picked in an orchard? Here’s all you need to know about saving apple seeds and planting them so that one day you can harvest apples at home.
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Can Apple Trees Be Grown From Seed?
In theory, it is possible to cultivate apple trees from seed. Apple trees can be grown from the seeds of the apples you purchase from the grocery store or farmers’ market.
The actual response, however, is a bit more nuanced.
The majority of apple trees cultivated for their edible, marketable apples are not seed-grown. Rather, they are grafted from carefully chosen apple trees to produce a hybrid that is both aesthetically pleasing and delicious.
It’s possible that if you start an apple tree from seed, it won’t look or taste like the original apple, and you won’t even know what you’re receiving until the tree starts bearing mature fruit, which should happen in around ten years.
Growing apples from seeds you’ve picked from your own fall baking or eating is still enjoyable regardless of the final output.
Ways to Save Apple Seeds For Planting
A ripe apple is the first step in saving apple seeds:
- When eating an apple, you often discard the core and seeds, but this time you’ll want to save the seeds. We’ve all seen a seed cut through, so take care not to cut into the center.As many complete, undamaged seeds as you can should be obtained; after that, clean them to get rid of any apple residue.
- To dry, spread the seeds out. Three to four weeks may pass during this time.
- It’s time to rehydrate the seeds after they’ve dried. The seeds should be spread out between two moist paper towels. Store the seeds and clothes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month. This will help the seeds sprout by establishing the ideal conditions for stratification.
How To Plant Apple Seeds
Hopefully, your seeds have been quietly sprouting in the fridge when you check on them again. If you already have sprouts, it’s time to move them to a secure location until you’re ready to plant them in your new home orchard.
After adding the seed to a tiny container filled with potting mix, cover it with earth. To promote the sprout’s continued growth, the soil should stay just a little bit moist. New leaves should eventually start to emerge from the ground. The seedlings can now be kept in a warm, bright window to continue growing.
It’s time to put your seedlings in the ground if they are already several inches tall. Transplanting them should ideally take place in March or April in the spring. Find a sunny location and plant them apart from other trees so they have enough space to thrive.
The Secret To Growing Tasty Apple Trees From Seed
Apple trees thrive when there are other trees nearby for cross-pollination, which is why they are usually planted in orchards. At least two apple tree seedlings should be planted, spaced 8 to 15 feet apart.
They will cross-pollinate as each tree matures, eventually producing a more delicious apple. Even while it might not be the identical Honeycrisp apple you purchased from the supermarket, you can still feel proud of having planted and picked it yourself.
Just don’t count on a speedy process. From the time the first apple sprouts until you hold a succulent red apple, planting an apple tree from seed can take up to ten years.
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