Apples are one of the most beloved fruits in the UK, with a long history of cultivation that stretches back centuries. From tart cooking apples to sweet dessert varieties, the orchard has long been a centrepiece of British food culture. Growing an apple tree from seed is a fascinating project that allows you to witness the journey from tiny pip to sapling, and eventually to a fruit bearing tree. Although apple trees are often grown from grafted stock to ensure consistency in fruit quality, planting apple seeds remains an enjoyable and educational way to explore horticulture. It requires patience, care and an understanding of how apple seeds grow best, but with the right approach, anyone can nurture an apple tree from the very beginning.
Understanding apple seeds
Apple seeds are found in the core of the fruit and can be easily extracted when eating or preparing apples. Each seed contains the genetic material to create a new tree, but unlike grafted apple trees, seedlings will not produce fruit identical to the parent apple. This is because apples are genetically diverse, and seeds develop with unique traits influenced by pollination. As a result, planting apple seeds is always something of a surprise, as the eventual fruit may differ in size, flavour and texture. While this uncertainty is part of the charm, it also means that planting apple seeds is best for those who enjoy experimentation and discovery in the garden.
Collecting and preparing seeds
The first step in planting apple seeds is collecting them from fresh, ripe apples. Choose apples that are healthy and free from disease or bruising, as this increases the chance of producing viable seeds. Once removed from the core, seeds should be rinsed to remove any fruit residue and then dried on a paper towel for a day or two. This helps prevent mould when they are stored or planted. Unlike some seeds that can be planted immediately, apple seeds require a process called stratification to trigger germination.
What is stratification
Stratification mimics the natural conditions that apple seeds experience in winter before they germinate in spring. Without this cold period, the seeds remain dormant. To stratify apple seeds at home, place them in a damp paper towel, then seal them in a plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator for six to eight weeks. During this time, the seeds should remain moist but not wet, and regular checks ensure no mould is developing. Once small white roots begin to appear, the seeds are ready for planting.
Planting apple seeds indoors
When the seeds have sprouted, they can be planted in small pots filled with a mix of compost and soil. Each seed should be planted about one to two centimetres deep, with the root facing downwards. Water the pots gently and place them in a bright, warm location such as a windowsill. Apple seedlings need plenty of light to grow strong and healthy, so positioning them where they can receive natural daylight is important. If growing in winter, using a grow light may help. The seedlings will develop small green shoots within a few weeks and will continue to grow steadily with proper care.
Caring for young seedlings
Young apple seedlings require consistent watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. As they grow, they will produce multiple leaves and begin to develop stronger stems. Once they reach ten to fifteen centimetres in height, the seedlings can be thinned out by selecting the strongest plants and replanting them into larger pots. This gives them space to expand their root systems and reduces competition for nutrients. Feeding with a diluted liquid fertiliser every few weeks supports healthy growth during the early stages.
Transplanting seedlings outdoors
When the seedlings are strong enough and the weather is warm, they can be transplanted outdoors. Apple trees require well draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They prefer a sunny location, ideally with shelter from strong winds. Before planting, dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots and mix in compost or well rotted manure to improve soil fertility. Place the seedling in the hole, spread out the roots gently, and backfill with soil. Firm the ground gently around the base and water thoroughly. Young trees may benefit from a stake to provide support as they establish themselves.
Spacing and positioning
Apple trees require space to grow into their full form. Depending on the variety and eventual size of the tree, spacing of three to five metres between each sapling is ideal. Planting too close together restricts airflow and increases the risk of disease. Positioning trees in areas with good sun exposure ensures healthy growth and better fruiting potential in the future.
Watering and feeding apple trees
Young apple trees need regular watering, particularly during dry spells, to help their roots establish. As the trees mature, they become more resilient, but consistent watering during their first few years is crucial. Feeding apple trees with a balanced fertiliser in spring supports leafy growth, while a potassium rich fertiliser later in the season encourages flowering and fruiting. Mulching around the base of the tree with compost or bark helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Pruning apple trees
Pruning is an important part of growing apple trees, even those started from seeds. Regular pruning encourages a strong framework of branches, improves airflow and increases sunlight penetration. This not only helps the tree produce better quality fruit but also reduces the risk of pests and diseases. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or weak branches and shape the tree to maintain an open structure.
Patience and fruit production
One of the challenges of planting apple seeds is that it can take several years before the tree produces fruit. Unlike grafted trees that may fruit in three to five years, seed grown apple trees may take seven to ten years to bear apples, and sometimes longer. Even then, the fruit may not be of the same quality as commercial varieties. However, the experience of nurturing a tree from seed to maturity is rewarding in itself, and the fruit that does appear will be unique to your tree.
Common problems and solutions
Apple trees grown from seed can face the same issues as grafted trees, including pests such as aphids, codling moths and apple sawfly. Diseases like apple scab, canker and powdery mildew can also occur. Good cultural practices, such as proper pruning, adequate spacing and regular monitoring, are key to preventing these problems. Organic sprays or barriers can also help control pests without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Why grow apples from seeds
Although growing apple trees from seeds may not result in the perfectly predictable fruit of grafted varieties, it is a fascinating and educational process. It is an ideal project for children or beginners in gardening, as it demonstrates the cycle of plant life from seed to tree. It also provides an opportunity to create a completely unique apple variety that has never existed before, as each seedling carries its own genetic makeup.
Conclusion
So, how do you plant apple seeds? The process begins with collecting healthy seeds, stratifying them to mimic winter, and planting them once they sprout. With patience, proper care and the right growing conditions, the tiny seeds will develop into seedlings, then saplings, and eventually into mature apple trees. While it may take years for fruit to appear and its quality cannot be guaranteed, the journey of planting apple seeds is rewarding and educational. Whether for the joy of experimentation, the challenge of long-term growth, or the possibility of creating your very own apple variety, planting apple seeds is a project worth undertaking.
