Growing Apple Trees from Seed: Stratification, Planting, and Long-Term Care

An Apple a Day—From Your Own Tree

Apples prevent disease, taste incredible fresh, and growing them is a rewarding long-term project.

From Seed to Sapling

1. Save seeds from eaten apples. Dry days.
2. Stratify: Damp paper towel, fridge, 1 month. Check moisture. Sprouts appear.
3. Pot up: Small cup, potting soil. Water daily. Transplant to larger pot when seedling emerges.

Planting Out

• Site: Full sun, convenient, room for 20-ft mature tree.
• Timing: Spring. Hole wider than roots. No nitrogen at planting.
• Water in: Eliminate air pockets. Mulch 3-ft circle, few inches deep.
• Wait 1–2 months before fertilizing.

Long-Term Care

• Water year 1 only (unless extreme drought).
• Mesh fence for protection. Homebrew spray for pests.
• Minimal pruning early (delays fruiting).
• Research local pests/diseases.

No guarantee of fruit—but the process connects you to generations of growers. Hope, plant, tend.