Rescuing an Apple Seedling That Skipped Cold Stratification

An apple seed that germinated without cold treatment (in Louisiana’s mild winter) can still be grown on.

Immediate Steps

1. Pot in good soil; lay seedling on its side, barely cover.
2. Keep moist, well-drained, in bright light.
3. If temps drop below 40°F, bring indoors.
4. Overwinter inside; plant out next spring after frost.
5. Harden off 10 days in shade before full sun.

Some low-chill apple varieties germinate without stratification. The seedling may be one of these.