Q&A for How to Plant Apple Seeds

No. The seeds are best stored in a container of peat moss in the refrigerator.

No. The seeds need to go through a process of cooling, or stratification. This can be done by placing the seeds in a protected environment outside for the winter, or in a container in the refrigerator as described in the article.

Yes, trees need a decent amount of space.

There are several options available. You can use a plant watering service, rely on a trusted neighbor with good horticulture skills, use a timed sprinkler system, take the plants with you, water them before you leave and when you come back, or let Mother Nature take her course.

Refrigeration is the key to success. Water also helps the plants develop into mature hardwood trees.

"Well-drained soil" means that the soil will not stay damp for too long and that it will drain easily.

You can, but be sure the cup is kept in a stable place to avoid tipping. Four pencil-sized holes in the bottom of a 20 oz. Solo cup is usually sufficient.

It's best not to use soil during germination. Transplant the seedlings into soil after germination for best results. Crushed corn cobs or even shredded paper can be used during germination and when transplanted into soil to encourage root development.

It's the most important step. If you get the grafting wrong, it will never bear fruit.

If the apple is organic, then yes, you can grow an apple tree from its seeds, but (as with all apples) the seed of the apple does not grow "true" to the apple you have just eaten. The seeds in an apple are genetically distinct from the apple tree that produced the fruit. In fact, every individual seed in an apple has the potential to grow a completely different type of tree.

It's always best to check the seed packaging before buying. Also, some landscapers and gardeners can tell, so ask any that you know.

The type of material will have a direct effect on germination. Plastic bags do not work well because they trap too much moisture and allow light to penetrate. Paper is a good material, but cloth or burlap is best. Brown paper bags work better than white bags because a lot of white paper bags have a wax coating that can trap moisture.

If you are fortunate enough to get a seed to grow without refrigeration, it may not survive during colder seasons.

Dwarf sprout grown from rootstock becomes a small, bearing tree in 3 or 4 years. In contrast, a large, standard size apple tree, growing past 20 feet tall, can take up to 8 years to bear fruit. Although it is considered a small tree prior to the 8 year bearing mark, it only has ornamental value up to that point.

You can leave them in the core, but plant the one you removed separately, as it will draw moisture from the core that the other sprouts will need.

Apple trees need consistent sunshine and prefer moderate temperatures. They should be planted in the springtime in well-draining soil.

If you are looking to use your apple tree as your primary source of apples, consider planting a grafted apple tree or transplanting an apple tree as opposed to planting apple trees from seeds. Not only is there a far better chance of your tree surviving, but you also won't have to wait ten years or longer for the tree to produce fruit.

Let the seeds dry for three to four weeks.

Try to take seeds out of a ripe apple to be sure that they are fresh.

Put the seeds in a damp cloth for abut 8 weeks. This gives them a boost to help them germinate.

If you bought a young tree from a garden center, then yes, autumn is a great time to plant. If you are planting a seedling from seeds that you just planted, then no, spring would be best.

I would do only 4: one in the middle, and then straddled like a triangle. Of course, it depends on the size of the pot. if small, then do 2.

If you live in a warm, dry area without a lot of regular rain, then water them once a week. If you live in an area that receives regular rain, you don't need to worry about watering your outdoor trees.

Apple trees do not survive in tropical climates.

It worked for me. Mine are just over a month old now. I grabbed dirt from the garden and threw it in a container and popped the germinated and ungerminated seeds in it. All six have sprouted. I've been watering them once a week and they're doing fine.

Yes, it works, just wet it and then dry it before planting, and plant it in a moist area.

Yes, it is the same as any other seed. You need to give it water and some sunlight.

Certain types of apples can be grown in the plateau regions of Nigeria, yes. Research the Bell apple for more information.

You can use a sufficiently wet paper towel. I have found as little as two weeks with a paper towel can work.

No, the plant requires a refrigeration period, and the dampness would likely cause the seeds to mold.