Growing Apple and Orange Trees from Seed: A Third-Grader's Science Project

Citrus and Pome Fruit Seed Germination for Young Gardeners

Growing fruit trees from grocery-store seeds is a classic science project. Here's what to expect with Valencia orange and Red Delicious apple seeds.

Apple Seeds (Red Delicious)

Apple seeds require cold stratification to break dormancy. Place seeds in a damp paper towel inside a sealed bag and refrigerate for 60 days. Then plant ½ inch deep in potting soil, keep moist at 75°F in a sunny window. Germination takes 3-4 weeks but can be erratic. Some seeds may germinate without stratification, but rates are lower.

Orange Seeds (Valencia)

Citrus seeds need no cold treatment. Clean all pulp from seeds, plant ½ inch deep in potting soil, and keep warm and moist. Seedlings emerge in 10-30 days. Citrus germinates readily at room temperature.

Project Observations

Track germination dates, growth rates, and leaf development. Note that seed-grown fruit trees won't produce true-to-type fruit and may take 5-7+ years to bear. Both species make attractive foliage plants in the meantime.