ADVERTISEMENT
If you’ve ever bitten into a crisp, juicy apple and wondered if you could grow your own tree from those seeds, you’re in for a delicious surprise! Growing an apple tree from an apple is a unique and rewarding experience. Here’s your step-by-step guide to unlocking the magic of those apple seeds and growing your own apple tree.
Selecting your apple seeds: Start by choosing an apple variety that you like. Whether it’s a sweet Honeycrisp or a tart Granny Smith, the seeds of your favorite apple can potentially give rise to a tree with similar characteristics.
Harvesting the seeds: After enjoying your delicious apple, carefully extract the seeds. Rinse them gently to remove any fruit residue and let them air dry completely.
Prepare the seeds for planting: To increase the chances of germination, you can stratify the apple seeds. This mimics the natural winter conditions the seeds would experience outdoors. Simply place the seeds in a damp paper towel, seal them in a plastic bag, and refrigerate them for 6 to 8 weeks.
Choosing the right pot and soil: Select a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Fill it with well-draining potting soil, creating a welcoming environment for your apple seeds to germinate.
Plant the seeds: Plant the stratified seeds about half an inch deep in the soil. Water the pot gently, making sure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Provide adequate sunlight: Place the pot in a sunny location, as apple trees thrive in the sun. Make sure they get at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Continued on next page
ADVERTISEMENT