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Apple Tree Propagation


Question
Tom: My father has 1 apple tree left in his yard, Possibly Red Deliscious, out of 4 or 5 he started with. This tree is over 45 years old, It has been BLOWN OVER, on its side and still produces fruit. Local professionals are stumped. My question is; can I grow a new crop of these trees, for sentimental reasons, from the seeds of the fruit? We are just beginning the FALL season here in Northern Ohio.

Answer
Hi Ronald,
Thanx for your question.  I'm not an expert with fruit trees but I will share with you what I do know.  Firstly, here's a website regarding apple varieties that I think you will find interesting.

http://www.allaboutapples.com/varieties/var_r1.htm#redbouquetdelic

Secondly, if the Red Delicious of which you are speaking is an open pollinated variety or a variety whos DNA has been stabilized, you can grow similar fruit trees from the seed of the fruit.  IF this is a hybrid, you will get everything BUT the desired results.  Seeds from hybrids are generally not genetically stable and the progeny will revert back to prior generations which are usually inferior to the current variety.  If you want to guarantee results, try grafting.  I am not an expert in grafting however, the University of Minnesota has a great guide.  You could go ahead and try the seeds and then graft a few saplings too.
Here's the URL for the grafting.
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG0532.html
I hope this helps.
Tom

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