The benefits of self-cultivation and all that it entails: sowing, cultivating and planting within the home, depending on its size and the needs of its members, is very large. The benefits that can be highlighted in the first place is the fact of having healthy food, without chemicals or preservatives, and above all, within easy reach. Eating a fruit or vegetable fresh from the garden provides many nutrients and provides essential vitamins. That is why today we will show you how to grow apple seeds to grow at home.
Growing an apple tree from its seed
When you bite into a juicy crunchy apple , have you ever considered the potential of those little seeds inside it? Have you ever dreamed of growing your own apple orchard? Whether you’re just curious or looking for a challenge, growing apple trees from seed can be a fun experiment.
With time, patience, and extra care, you can grow your own apple tree. We have outlined how to do it and what you need to know.
How to grow apple seeds?
Instructions
- Collect the seeds from the fresh apple cores. You will have to collect a lot of apple seeds since they have only a germination percentage of 30%.
- Dry the apple seeds in a cool place until they are completely free of moisture.
- Place the dried apple seeds with a damp cloth or paper towel and put them in a sealed container.
- Place the container in a refrigerator for a minimum of 7 weeks. This is called “post-ripening,” which simulates winter. During this time the seeds begin to grow roots and sprout.
- Once they sprout, gently plant the apple seeds in seedlings or small pots, covering them with about half an inch of potting soil.
- Water the seeds enough to saturate the soil by allowing the seeds to settle.
- Take care of your seedlings at room temperature (between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius) as they grow. When they look strong enough you can transplant them outside. Wait to move them outside until all risk of frost passes.
- Choose a sunny area with well-drained soil for your apple tree seedlings. Consider the space it takes to grow a full-size apple tree (6 to 9 meters) and no closer than 5 meters to the next tree – especially if it is another apple tree.
- Surround young apple trees with garden fences to protect them and keep the soil around them moist, water them at least every 10 to 12 days. Pay special attention to watering them on very hot dry days.
- Later you will need to prune and shape your apple tree.
- After a few years, you should be picking apples. Even if they are not the most beautiful, they must be the most delicious for many things, like fresh apple pie or even cider.
Things to consider before growing apple seeds
Apples are unpredictable. Due to its inability to self-pollinate, don’t expect the same type of apple to grow from which you extracted the seed.
You run the risk of producing crab apples. It is common for apple trees to be pollinated by crabapples – a small, inedible variety.
Be patient. Seed trees can take 7-10 years to produce fruit.
If you are put off by the risks and apple seed growth time, try starting with a seedling or grafting plant. This begins with a special cutting of the rootstock tree. A branch of the desired apple variety is placed on the cutting. The tree will grow to produce the selected type of apple.
Accept the challenge. Growing an apple tree from seed may not be for those short on time, but when that long-term experiment is successful the result promises to be fruitful.
You will be able to enjoy an abundance of apples from your own apple tree for years to come. The next challenge will be deciding what to do with all of them.
