Then, sow them outdoors 1/2 inch deep once the threat of frost has passed. Alternatively, place the seeds in moistened sand in a plastic container and keep the container in the fridge for 3 to 4 months. Sow them outdoors 1/2 inch deep in the fall, and the natural seasonal cycle will take care of the seed’s chilling needs for you.

Nevertheless, growing an apple seedling can still be a fun experiment.Īpple seeds need to be exposed to cool, moist conditions before they are ready to germinate and grow. So, if you plant a Honeycrisp seed, you won’t end up with Honeycrisp apples. Plus, it can take 8-10 years for an apple seedling to grow big enough to produce apples, so you may end up waiting a while! While it’s certainly possible to grow an apple tree from a seed, the apple tree you get probably won’t be the kind you hoped for!Īpple seeds are genetically different from their parent tree, which means that things like tree size, hardiness, and fruit quality will differ (and will usually be poorer). Can You Grow Apple Trees From Seed?Ī common question is whether it’s possible to simply plant the seed of a variety that you like rather than buy a young tree. Check tree tags for chill hour information or ask the seller. The farther north you go, the more chill hours an apple variety needs to avoid late spring freeze problems. Each variety has a number of chill hours needed to set fruit (i.e., the amount of time temperatures are between 32 and 45 degrees F). Also, check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for a recommendation specific to your area. Tree tags don’t always tell you where the variety grows best, but many catalogs do. If termed “long-season,” apple quality will be best in Zones 5 to 8.

However, climate considerations are very important for growing apples. As a general rule, if an apple tree is called “hardy,” it grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 5.

Fall planting can also be successful, but only in areas where autumn and winter weather is generally more mild and moist. Even in a small space, you can plant a hedge of dwarf apple trees or an apple espalier and yield a successful crop. Spring planting is recommended in central and northern areas. Fall means apple harvest time! See our tips on harvesting apples-as well as caring for apple trees, apple tree problems, and everything about planting and growing juicy apples in the home garden! About ApplesĪpple trees aren’t just for people with acres upon acres of land.

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