How to Plant Apple Seeds So They Grow Into Fruit-Bearing Trees

Apples are a delicious fruit that grows in abundance from late summer through fall. And while picking your own apples from the orchard is a fun seasonal activity, have you ever considered making your own tiny orchard in your backyard? After finishing an apple, harvest the seeds and plant them in small containers. Soon, the seeds will germinate, and you'll be well on your way to growing an apple tree.

While the process is a time commitment (it can take years for the tree to bear fruit) growing an apple tree from seed is a rewarding experience gardeners of all skill levels can try. Ahead, experts explain how to plant apple seeds—and what to do with the seedlings once they germinate.

When to Start Apple Seeds

Start apple seeds in late winter to early spring. "This timing allows you to stratify the seeds during the cold months and plant them indoors as the days begin to lengthen," says Carrie Spoonemore, co-creator of Park Seed's From Seed to Spoon app. "By the time the last frost has passed, the seedlings will be ready for transplanting outside, giving them a full growing season to establish."

How to Plant Apple Seeds

Planting apple seeds is an easy process that anyone can do themselves from home. Ahead, we'll walk you through the entire process, from harvesting the seeds from the fruit to planting the seedlings outside.

1. Harvest the Seeds

Harvest apple seeds in late summer and fall when the fruits are in season and plentiful. "Plus, with freshly harvested apples, the seeds should have a higher germination rate." says Melinda Myers, gardening expert and host of the Great Courses How to Grow Anything DVD series.

Harvest apple seeds by cutting open a ripe apple and carefully removing the seeds. "Rinse the seeds under cold water to remove any fruit residue, which can harbor mold or bacteria," says Spoonemore. "After rinsing, place the seeds on a paper towel and let them dry for a few days in a cool, dry place."

2. Chill the Seeds

Apple seeds must undergo stratification, which mimics the natural cold period seeds undergo during winter. Once the seeds you harvested have dried, place them in a damp paper towel and put them inside a plastic bag. "Keep the bag in the refrigerator for about six to eight weeks weeks, checking occasionally to ensure the towel remains moist," says Spoonemore. "This cold treatment helps break the seeds' dormancy, encouraging germination when they are planted."

3. Prepare the Soil

Once the seeds have chilled, you can plant them. Fill small pots or seed-starting trays with damp, seed-starting mix, says Spoonemore. Do not use regular potting mix when starting apple seeds, as it is typically heavier and coarser than seed-starting mix.

4. Plant the Seeds

Plant the seeds about a 1/2-inch deep in the soil, says Spoonemore. Place the seeds in a sunny location indoors or under grow lights. As the seeds germinate, ensure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.

5. Harden Off the Seedlings

Plant your seedlings outside or in larger containers once they are several inches tall and have at least four to six leaves. If moving the seedlings outside, temperatures must be consistently above freezing and the seedlings must first be hardened off.

To harden off seedlings, start by placing them outside in a sheltered area for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time spent outside over seven to 10 days. "Begin with partial shade and slowly expose them to more sunlight and varying temperatures," says Spoonemore. "This process helps the seedlings acclimate and reduces the risk of transplant shock."

6. Transplant the Seedlings

Once the seedlings have been hardened off, you can plant them outdoors in a sunny location with well-draining soil. "Dig a hole the same depth as the root ball and at least 2 to 5 times wider in diameter," says Meyers. "This loosens the soil and allows the tree roots to explore the surrounding soil, which results in a more robust root system."

Next, loosen any circling roots and plant the seedling at the same depth it was growing in the pot. Water thoroughly and apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree. "Continue to water whenever the top few inches of soil are crumbling and slightly moist," says Meyers.

How Long it Takes for Apple Trees to Fruit

It can take about seven to 10 years for apple trees to mature and produce fruit. "You will also need another apple tree or crabapple nearby to pollinate the flowers so fruit will form," says Meyers. To speed up the process, many gardeners opt for grafting apple varieties onto a dwarfing rootstock, which keeps the trees shorter and fruiting sooner than gardeners growing on their own roots.