You can grow apples from seed, but keep in mind that the type of apple tree you end up with might be different than the seed you planted.If you plant a Granny Smith apple seed, you could end up with a different apple tree.It is possible that it is a different type of apple from the Granny Smith line.There are a number of things you will need to do to increase your chances of success if you want to plant an apple tree from seed.
Step 1: You can collect two different kinds of seeds.
Apple trees are not self-pollinating, so they need a different kind of apple tree to pollinate with in order to bear fruit.You can either take the seeds from the apple or buy them at the store.Growing an apple tree from the seeds you have collected is not a guarantee that the tree will bear fruit or be the same kind of apple.Pick apples that do well in your climate zone or else your tree may die once planted outside.If you want to grow apples for their fruit, it is a good idea to buy a tree from a nursery rather than seeds.Click here to learn how to transplant a young tree.When attempting to grow an apple tree from seed, keep in mind that the tree will not have any dwarfing characteristics, meaning that it will grow to its full height of about 30 feet.It's great if you think you have enough room in your yard for this tree.You should be aware that trees planted from seeds can take up to 10 years to produce fruit, while a replanted tree can produce more fruit in less time.
Step 2: Put your seeds in a bag.
Once you have removed the seeds from the fruit and gotten rid of any fruit clinging to them, you should lay them out to dry.If you want to air dry them, you have to do it on the outside shell.
Step 3: The seeds should be covered with a damp paper towel.
Put the paper towel and seeds into a plastic bag, jar, or Tupperware box.Make sure your container can be sealed.If you have any moss hanging around, you can use moist moss instead of paper towels.
Step 4: You can put your seeds in the fridge.
A period of exposure to cold temperatures is called after ripening.This is a simulation of winter.The seeds will start to grow during this time.It will take 70 to 80 days for them to be left there.The optimal temperature for storing the seeds is 40 to 50oF (4.4 to 10oC).If you can, do this during winter so that when you take the seeds out of the fridge, they will be aligned with the seasons.The best time to plant your sprout is after the last frost.
Step 5: Make sure the towel isn't wet.
While the seeds are in the fridge, it is important to keep the towel damp.The seeds won't grow while they are in the fridge.
Step 6: Prepare the pot and soil.
You will need to plant your seeds outside or in a pot.A good mix is needed.Apple seeds grow best in soil with a neutral pH.If you fill the pots with the correct amount of soil, there will be a large hole in the soil that is two to three times larger than the sprouted seed.Do not add anything to the soil.If you want to give your seedling a boost, you can add leaf mulch or compost.
Step 7: The seed should be put in the soil.
Make sure to gently pat the soil down after covering the seeds with soil divots.To keep the soil moist, water the seed immediately.
Step 8: The pot needs to be kept at a certain temperature.
The seed and soil should be kept at a higher temperature than the room temperature.It's a good idea to put the seed in a windowsill that gets sunlight for a part of the day.
Step 9: If you watch your seedling, it will grow.
The seeds should start throwing up leaves several weeks after planting.They will grow taller and stronger.If there is a chance of frost, keep them in pots.If you think your seedling is outgrowing its pot, transplant it to a larger pot and keep watering it.
Step 10: Pick the location of your tree.
The location of your tree should be determined by a number of factors.Sun, soil, and space are included.Apple trees need full sun.They should get six or more hours of sunlight every day.Your location will affect where you plant your tree.An eastern facing slope is usually a good choice.Before you plant, evaluate your options.Apple trees don't like wet feet.They need to be planted in soil that will retain water and drain well.The soil should be rich and neutral.The tree can grow to full size if you grow it from seed.It needs to have enough space for its root system to grow.If you are planting two apple trees in a row, you should plant your tree at least 30 feet from another tree.
Step 11: It's a good idea to know when the conditions are right for transplants.
No one will step on it or think it is a weed if you transplant it without cutting off any roots.The best time to plant is in the fall in Zone 8.If you live outside of Zone 8, plant in the spring.The threat of hard frost has passed.
Step 12: The planting site needs to be cleared of weeds in a four-foot diameter.
You should dig a hole that is twice the diameter.Make sure the hole is at least two feet deep.The roots of your tree will be able to penetrate the soil if you loosen the walls of the hole.
Step 13: Don't replant your tree.
If you have dug a hole, spread out your tree's roots so they don't get tangled.Start by replacing the soil around the roots.If there are pockets of air around the roots, pat the soil down to get rid of them.The hole should be filled with loose soil.Don't add anything to the soil around your tree.Your young tree's roots could be burned by thefertilizer.
Step 14: In order to eliminate air pockets, water the tree.
Spread mulch after you have watered your tree.Hay, straw, or organic hardwood chips can be used as apple tree mulch.The mulch should be spread around the tree.This will help retain water and keep grass from growing and competing with your tree's roots for water.
Step 15: Put water on your tree.
The tree needs to be watered every 10 to 12 days.As the tree grows, you can cut back on the watering if the soil stays moist.You will need to water them less as they grow.In the summer, water your tree every two weeks.Unless you live in an extremely dry area, you can let nature do the rest during other times of the year.For the first year, the equivalent of an inch or two (2.5-5 cm) of water a week is ideal.Don't just sprinkle it, give it a good soaking.
Step 16: Don't let pests in.
You need to protect your young tree if you live in an area with deer.Deer love to look at the buds on apple trees, in some cases they will even damage the trunk.Chicken wire can be cut to form a loop around the tree, and is tall enough to cover it.Close the loop by securing the wire to a post.If limbs become entangled in the wire, watch the tree as it grows.In low-pressure areas, spraying the tree with a purchased or home-brew spray may be effective.If deer are not a problem in your area, place short wire mesh around the base of the tree to keep rabbits and mice away.It's a good idea to spray away insects.There are insects that can cause your fruit to become sick.You can buy a spray at a garden supply store.Fight the apple fly.One of the most common plagues is the apple tree.In June, hang a baseball-sized red ball in your trees branches.Tangle Trap can be purchased at garden supply stores.
Step 17: It's a good idea to give your tree a fertilization when it is older.
Every spring, your apple trees should be fertilized.If you get snow,fertilize the tree after the last snow has melted away.Nitrogen and oxide content is what you should use afertilizer with.You should put down half a pound for every inch of the tree's trunk that is under the canopy.If you want to addfertilizer, always perform a soil test.Depending on your soil test results, you may need to use a slow-release organicfertilizer.Excess growth and limited fruit production can be caused by too much nitrogen.Apple trees can be hurt by weed-and-feed combinations.
Step 18: Don't trim a tree that is young.
You don't delay fruit bearing if you Prune as little as possible the first few years.You should remove dead or sick branches.An apple tree wants to build a lot of growth before it decides to create fruit, so let it grow until it starts to bear.If you don't remove the buds before they grow into branches, you'll have to cut them down later.To establish a central leader, you will need to trim the tree.The tree can direct all of its energy towards the central leader if there are two limbs growing vertically.
Step 19: You should train your tree.
Your tree's branches need to be shaped to maximize the fruit they produce.Any branch with an angle of less than 35 degrees from the trunk needs to be trained into a better angle.To tie a stem to stakes in the ground or lower tree branches, bend it down so that it is almost horizontal.For a few weeks, leave it tied down.
Step 20: There is excessive fruit.
Excess fruit can weigh the tree's branches down and reduce the quality of apples that are produced.Thin out the fruit so that there are only one or two apples per cluster, and that they are roughly six to eight inches apart.
Step 21: A mature tree should be Prune annually.
You will need to provide your tree with annualPruning after it has produced fruit and filled in.When the tree is not active.The stems that grow upright are usually found in the higher parts of the tree.Pruning off dead, diseased, or broken branches is one of the things you should do.If you want your tree to grow taller, you need to cut away any low growing limbs.Weak twigs should be removed from the undersides of the branches.