Growing apples from seeds takes time, patience, and care. I like this method because it feels rewarding. You start with a small seed and end up with a living tree. Over the years, that tree can produce fruit.
You do not need to buy seeds from a store. You can use seeds from apples you already eat. However, you must understand one important fact.
Most apple trees grown from seed do not grow “true to type.” If you plant a seed from a Granny Smith apple, the new tree will likely produce a different kind of apple. The fruit may taste better, worse, or completely different.
Still, growing apples from seeds can be fun. It can also increase genetic diversity in your garden. This guide explains each step in simple, clear language so you can grow your own apple tree from seed.
Can You Really Grow Apples from Seeds?
Yes, you can grow apple trees from seeds. The process works. Many early American orchards started this way.
However, commercial orchards usually use grafted trees. Grafted trees grow from a root system and a selected branch called a scion. This method keeps fruit quality consistent.
When you grow apples from seeds:
- The fruit may be different from the parent apple.
- The tree may grow full size.
- The tree may take 7 to 10 years to produce fruit.
- About 1 in 10 seedlings produce apples that taste good.
Even with these limits, many people grow apples from seed for these reasons: - It costs very little.
- It helps increase genetic diversity.
- It can produce unique apples.
- It works well for school projects.
- It feels satisfying to grow a tree from scratch.
How Long Does It Take to Grow an Apple Tree From Seed?
Apple trees grow slowly.
Here is a simple timeline:
- 0–3 months: Cold treatment (stratification).
- 1–2 months: Seedling growth.
- 1–4 years: Tree grows taller and stronger.
- 7–10 years: Tree may start producing fruit.
The tree can reach about 4 feet tall in 4 years. Full fruit production takes patience.
If you want faster fruit, you should buy a grafted tree instead. But if you enjoy long-term projects, growing from seed works well.
Step 1: Extract Apple Seeds
Start with several ripe apples. Ripe apples usually contain mature seeds. The seeds should look dark brown. Light-colored seeds may not be fully developed.
Follow these steps:
- Cut the apple open or eat it carefully.
- Remove the seeds from the core.
- Clean off all fruit pulp.
- Discard damaged or broken seeds.
Use multiple apples. Planting more seeds increases your chance of growing a good fruiting tree.
Step 2: Dry the Seeds
Drying prevents mold.
- Place the seeds on a paper towel.
- Spread them out so they do not touch.
- Let them dry for 3 to 4 weeks.
- Turn them every few days.
The seeds should feel dry to the touch before you move to the next step.
Step 3: Stratify the Seeds (Cold Treatment)
Apple seeds need cold exposure before they germinate. This process is called stratification. Cold breaks seed dormancy and prepares the embryo to grow.
You can mimic winter in your refrigerator.
How to Stratify Apple Seeds
- Moisten a paper towel. It should feel damp, not soaked.
- Place the seeds on one side of the towel.
- Fold the towel over the seeds.
- Put the towel inside a zip-top bag.
- Label the bag with the date.
- Place the bag in the refrigerator.
Store the seeds for 3 to 6 months. The ideal temperature stays between 34°F and 40°F (1°C to 4°C).
Check the seeds once per month. If the towel dries out, add a few drops of water.
After several months, you may see small roots forming. That means the seeds are ready to plant.
Alternative Stratification Method Using Peat Moss
Some gardeners prefer peat moss.
- Mix seeds with slightly damp peat moss.
- Place the mixture in a sealed bag.
- Store it in the refrigerator for 3 months.
Peat moss holds moisture well. It also reduces mold growth.
Step 4: Planting Apple Seeds Outdoors
Early spring works best for outdoor planting. The soil should feel workable and not frozen.
Prepare the Garden Bed
- Remove weeds completely.
- Remove large stones.
- Break up soil clumps.
- Choose a sunny area.
- Make sure the soil drains well.
Apple trees need at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily.
Add Compost
Spread 1 inch (2.5 cm) of compost over the soil. Compost improves nutrients and drainage.
Create a Furrow
Use a small shovel to dig a trench:
- Depth: 1 inch (2.5 cm)
- Length: depends on the number of seeds
Plant the Seeds
- Place seeds 12 inches apart.
- Cover with soil.
- Add a thin layer of sand on top.
Sand prevents surface crusting during cold weather.
Water gently after planting.
Step 5: Growing Apple Seeds Indoors
You can also start seeds indoors. Indoor growing gives more control over temperature and moisture.
Use Degradable Pots
Choose 6-inch biodegradable pots. These pots make transplanting easier.
- Fill pots with potting soil.
- Leave 1 inch of space at the top.
- Make two 1-inch-deep holes per pot.
- Place one seed in each hole.
- Cover with soil.
Plant extra seeds. Some may fail to grow.
Water and Light
- Water until soil feels moist.
- Place pots in a sunny window.
- Keep temperature warm.
- Water twice per week.
Avoid overwatering. Wet soil can cause root rot.
Step 6: Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors
Apple trees grow best outside. Indoor pots work only for early growth.
Transplant in fall when seedlings enter dormancy.
Prepare the Outdoor Site
- Clear weeds.
- Remove rocks.
- Choose a sunny location.
- Add compost.
Plant the Pots
- Dig holes the same depth as the pots.
- Make holes twice as wide.
- Place the entire biodegradable pot in the hole.
- Fill gaps with soil.
- Water well.
The pot will break down over time. The roots will spread naturally.
Understanding Apple Genetics
Apple trees cross-pollinate. Bees carry pollen between trees. That is why new trees grow different fruit.
Some gardeners experiment with wild species like Malus sieversii. This species comes from Central Asia and is considered a major ancestor of modern apples.
Growing apples from seed increases genetic diversity. Diversity improves disease resistance and long-term orchard health.
Caring for Young Apple Trees
Young trees need consistent care.
Watering
- Water deeply once per week.
- Increase watering during dry weather.
- Avoid soggy soil.
Weeding
- Remove weeds regularly.
- Keep a clear circle around the trunk.
Weeds compete for nutrients and water.
Mulching
- Add 2–3 inches of mulch.
- Keep mulch away from the trunk.
- Mulch helps retain moisture.
Pruning
Do not prune heavily during the first five years. Early pruning can slow growth.
Protecting Seedlings From Pests
Young apple trees attract animals.
- Use mesh guards around trunks.
- Protect roots from rodents.
- Fence the area if deer are present.
Hardware cloth works well for trunk protection.
When Will the Tree Produce Apples?
Seed-grown trees take time.
- Dwarf trees fruit faster.
- Standard trees take longer.
- Expect fruit in 7–10 years.
Some trees may never produce good fruit. Others may surprise you with excellent flavor.
Can You Use Seed-Grown Trees as Rootstock?
Yes. Many growers plant seedlings to use as rootstock.
Rootstock supports grafted branches. It affects:
- Tree size
- Disease resistance
- Drought tolerance
Seed-grown rootstock often produces full-size trees.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping Stratification
Seeds need cold treatment. Without it, they may never sprout.
Overwatering
Too much water causes rot. Soil should feel moist, not soaked.
Planting Too Deep
Seeds planted too deep struggle to emerge. Stick to 1 inch depth.
Expecting Identical Apples
Fruit will likely differ from the original apple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant apple seeds straight from the apple?
No. Seeds require cold treatment first.
Do apple trees need a lot of space?
Yes. Standard apple trees need 15 to 25 feet of space. Dwarf trees need less.
Can I grow apples in warm climates?
Yes, but apple trees need chill hours. Choose varieties suited to your region.
Final Thoughts
Growing apples from seeds takes patience. The process lasts years. You may not get the same apple you started with. But you gain something valuable.
You learn how trees grow. You watch a seed become a plant. You build diversity in your garden.
If you enjoy long-term gardening projects, planting apple seeds makes sense. Start in fall. Give the seeds cold exposure. Plant them in spring. Care for them each season.
One day, you may harvest apples from a tree you grew from a single seed.
