To grow an apple tree from seed, follow these steps
Collecting Apple Seeds
Choose healthy, ripe apples from a variety you desire.
Cut the apples open and remove the seeds.
Preparing the Seeds
Rinse the seeds thoroughly to remove any residue.
Place them in a damp paper towel and fold it over to cover the seeds.
Put the paper towel with the seeds into a plastic bag and seal it.
Cold Stratification
Store the bag in your refrigerator for about 8-12 weeks.
This process is known as cold stratification and mimics winter conditions.
Germination
After cold stratification, take out the seeds and plant them in small pots or seed trays filled with potting soil.
Make sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Place your pots or trays in a warm location receiving indirect sunlight.
Caring for Seedlings
As your seedlings grow, ensure they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Water them regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
Transplanting Outdoors
Once your seedlings have grown strong enough (typically after one year), you can transplant them outdoors into well-drained soil with full sun exposure.
Note that apple trees grown from seeds may not produce fruit identical to their parent trees due to cross-pollination. For consistent results, consider purchasing grafted apple tree saplings from nurseries instead