If you’re not one to back down from a challenge, then growing your apples from seed might be for you.
Watch: How to grow your own fruit
While growing apples from the seeds of a store-bought apple is certainly possible, it can take several years and lots of care.
Challenge accepted? Here’s how to grow apples from seed.
How to grow apple tree from seeds
The first thing to know is that although you might have collected seeds from your favourite Pink Lady apples, it doesn’t mean that Pink Lady apples will grow in your garden.
This is because most apple seeds need to be pollinated by another apple tree to produce fruit. Each apple seed contains genes from two different apple varieties. Bees, insects and the wind all play an essential role in transferring pollen from one plant to another.
For these reasons, it’s a good idea to plant two apple seedlings to pollinate each other and produce fruit.
How to care for an apple tree
Climate
Apple trees prefer temperate climates.
Aspect
Apples prefer full sun.
Food
Apples require regular fertilisation. Look for a balanced fertiliser with equal nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Alternatively, you can buy fertiliser specifically for fruit trees.
Water
Apples like to be moist, but be careful because they can rot if the roots are too moist.
Mulch
A thin layer of mulch can help to keep the soil moist.
Pests
Aphids, scale insects, and powdery mildew are common problems growing apples.
Here’s how to get rid of each pest.
Step-by-step instructions for growing apple seeds in Australia
Planting apple seeds is best done during the cooler months of the year. Apple seeds need to go through a process called stratification before they will germinate. Stratification means keeping the seeds cool, like they would be if they were in nature during winter. If you follow this advice, your seedlings should be ready for planting in spring.
Here how:
- Choose your store-bought apple and carefully remove the seeds from the core.
- Plant each seed in a small pot with some potting mix to germinate the apple seeds.
- Place a plastic bag over each pot and put them away somewhere cool for 30-60 days.
- Move the pots to a spot in your garden that gets 6-8 hours of sunlight a day and water regularly. Keep the soil moist but not too wet. Apply balanced fertiliser.
- After a few weeks, your seedlings should start to grow.
- Once your seedlings reach 15-20cm, replant them in a pot or ground and continue to care for your apple tree.
How long does it take for an apple to grow from seed?
There are lots of variables that will determine if your apple will grow from seed. It can take between 8 and ten years for your tree to mature enough to produce fruit. And when it does, remember that you could end up with a new variety of apples.
Here’s hoping it’s just as delicious and juicy as the one you bought in the store when starting this journey.
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