Apple trees can be grown from seeds, but the seeds usually need a period of cold treatment before they will germinate successfully.
1. Collect healthy apple seeds 🍎
Remove several mature seeds from a ripe apple. Wash them carefully to remove any remaining fruit pulp.
2. Prepare a damp paper towel 💧
Moisten a paper towel with clean water. It should be damp but not soaking wet.
3. Wrap the seeds
Place the seeds inside the damp paper towel and fold it around them.
4. Place them in a plastic bag
Put the wrapped seeds inside a resealable plastic bag or small container.
5. Cold-stratify the seeds ❄️
Keep them in the refrigerator for approximately 6–10 weeks. This cold period helps break their natural dormancy.
6. Check regularly 🌱
Inspect the seeds every week and keep the paper towel slightly moist. Remove any seeds that become moldy or rotten.
7. Wait for the roots to appear
When the seeds begin to germinate, a small white root will emerge. At this stage, they are ready for planting.
8. Prepare small pots 🪴
Fill pots with loose, fertile, well-draining potting mix. Make sure each container has drainage holes.
9. Plant the germinated seeds
Place each seed approximately 1–2 cm deep, positioning the small root downward. Cover gently with soil.
10. Water carefully 💧
Keep the soil slightly moist while the seedlings become established, but never leave it waterlogged.
11. Give them plenty of light ☀️
Once the seedlings emerge, place them in a bright location. Gradually introduce them to direct sunlight as they grow stronger.
12. Transplant as they grow 🌿
When the young trees develop several true leaves and stronger roots, move them into larger pots or transplant them outdoors when conditions are suitable.
13. Allow plenty of growing space
If planted outdoors, choose a sunny location with fertile, well-draining soil and enough room for the tree to develop.
🍎 Tip: apple trees grown from seeds usually do not produce apples identical to the original fruit and may take several years to bear fruit. Named apple varieties are normally reproduced by grafting.