How to Plant Apple Seeds

Growing an apple tree from seed is a rewarding process, but it’s not as simple as planting a seed and waiting. Apple seeds need proper preparation before planting and a long-term care approach. Unlike buying grafted apple trees, planting from seed means you won’t know exactly what variety or fruit quality you’ll get. Still, the process offers a satisfying way to grow a tree from scratch and learn about apple genetics, patience and plant care.

Extracting and Preparing Apple Seeds

To start, you’ll need fresh seeds from a ripe apple. Once you remove the seeds, rinse off any fruit residue and dry them on kitchen paper for a day. Apple seeds have a tough outer shell and require cold stratification to mimic winter. This means sealing the seeds in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag, then placing them in the fridge for about six weeks. This period encourages dormancy to break and triggers the sprouting process.

Before You Start

Before planting anything, it’s worth knowing that apple trees grown from seed rarely produce fruit that matches the parent apple. This is due to cross-pollination and genetic variability. You may end up with a tree that bears small, sour or even inedible fruit. If you're growing for fun or ornamental purposes, this won’t matter much. However, if fruit quality is important, grafted trees are a better option. Growing from seed is more about the journey than the final apple.

How Many Varieties of Apple Seed Are There

Technically, each apple contains seeds that are genetically unique, meaning each one could become its own new variety. Globally, there are over 7,000 named apple varieties, but when growing from seed, you're not planting a known cultivar—you're creating a new one. While this adds unpredictability, it’s also part of the appeal. Some may never fruit, while others might surprise you with something tasty.

Preparing the Soil

Apple seedlings need light, well-draining soil to develop strong roots. A good mix for young plants includes equal parts loam, compost and perlite or sand to help with aeration. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much moisture. The pH should be neutral to slightly acidic. Make sure the soil is moist but not wet, especially during the early sprouting and transplant stages.

Potting the Sprouts

Once your seeds begin to sprout in the fridge—typically showing a small white root—you can pot them up. Use small containers filled with your soil mix and plant each sprout root-side down, just beneath the surface. Place the pots in a bright, warm location but out of direct harsh sunlight until the seedlings develop strong stems and leaves. Keep the soil slightly moist but not soaked.

How Do I Decide Which Ones to Plant

Not all sprouted seeds will thrive, so choose those with healthy, firm roots and no signs of mould. If space is limited, only keep the most vigorous looking ones. You might start several, then later thin them out or transplant only the strongest. If you're experimenting, you could plant them all and observe which grow best in your conditions.

How to Sprout Apple Seeds

Cold stratification is the key to sprouting apple seeds successfully. This process mimics winter and helps break seed dormancy. After placing your seeds in a fridge for several weeks, check regularly for signs of sprouting. Once a root tip appears, it’s ready for planting. The entire process can take between four and eight weeks, depending on the seed and conditions.

Get Seeds Ready

Use seeds from organic apples if possible, as these are less likely to have been treated with chemicals that affect germination. Clean, dry and chill the seeds, then check for sprouting. It's normal for only some seeds to sprout, so start with more than you need. Keep the paper towel just damp, not wet, and avoid direct contact with the fridge wall, which can freeze the seeds.

Planting Sprouted Apple Seeds

Once sprouted, move quickly to pot the seeds. Delaying can cause root damage. Make a small hole in your prepared soil, place the seed root-down and cover lightly. Position the pot in a location with bright indirect light and consistent warmth. As the seedlings grow, rotate the pots to keep the stems upright and avoid leaning. After a few months, the young trees can be hardened off outdoors if temperatures are mild.

When Will My Apple Tree Produce Fruit?

Apple trees grown from seed can take between five and ten years to produce fruit, if they do at all. Even then, the quality and taste of the apples are completely unpredictable. Trees grown from seed often have less desirable fruit compared to grafted varieties. However, the wait can be worth it if you’re experimenting or simply enjoying the process of growing a tree from the very beginning.

Are Apple Seeds Toxic?

Apple seeds contain a compound that can release cyanide when digested in large quantities. In small numbers, such as the odd seed accidentally swallowed, they pose no serious risk to humans. However, they should not be consumed intentionally, especially in large amounts. During the growing process, the toxicity is irrelevant, as the seeds are not consumed and the tree itself is harmless.

Can I Grow an Apple Tree Indoors?

Apple trees can be started indoors, but long-term growth indoors is difficult. They need plenty of sunlight, space and eventually cold temperatures for proper dormancy. Dwarf apple tree varieties are more suited for container growing and can stay indoors during winter, but even they need full sun and occasional outdoor exposure to thrive. If you're starting seeds indoors, plan to eventually move the trees outside for the best results.

Understanding Cross-Pollination and Seed Genetics

Apple trees are not true to seed, meaning that the apples grown from a seed will not be the same as the apple the seed came from. This is because most apple trees are the result of cross-pollination between two different varieties. As a result, every seed produces a completely new genetic combination. This genetic diversity is why commercial growers use grafting to reproduce specific apple types. When planting from seed, you’re creating a one-of-a-kind tree that may have unique traits or unpredictable fruit. While this might not guarantee supermarket-quality apples, it adds to the excitement and experimentation of growing your own.

The Importance of Patience in the Process

Growing an apple tree from seed is not a fast process. From the time of stratifying the seeds, to sprouting, potting, and growing the seedling into a small tree, it can take several years before the plant reaches maturity. Even under ideal conditions, it may take five to ten years before the tree begins to flower and fruit. For some growers, the tree may never produce fruit at all, or the fruit may be small and tart. If you're in it for the long game, the experience is deeply rewarding, but it requires commitment and time.

Transitioning from Indoors to Outdoors

If you begin your apple seedlings indoors, eventually you'll want to acclimate them to outdoor conditions. This gradual process, known as hardening off, involves introducing the plants to outdoor light, wind and temperature changes over the course of a couple of weeks. Without this step, the young plants can go into shock. Once the tree is large enough and the weather is mild, it can be planted outdoors in a permanent location, ideally in well-drained soil and full sun. Even container-grown apple trees will benefit from some time outdoors during warmer months.

Supporting Young Trees as They Grow

As your seedling grows into a small tree, it may need some structural support, especially if grown outdoors where wind and rain can stress the trunk. A bamboo cane or light stake can help keep the tree upright until the trunk thickens and strengthens. Regularly check the ties to ensure they’re not cutting into the bark as the tree grows. Supporting the tree early on helps it grow straighter and stronger, reducing the risk of damage later.

Managing Growth Through Pruning

Even young apple trees benefit from early pruning. This shapes the tree and encourages stronger branch structure. For seedlings, pruning isn't usually needed in the first year, but once the tree begins forming side branches, you can start training it. Removing weak or crowded growth helps improve air circulation and light exposure. Proper pruning early in the tree’s life also improves future fruit production and makes the tree easier to manage.

Dealing with Dormancy and Seasonal Changes

Apple trees are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in autumn and go dormant in winter. This natural cycle is essential for healthy growth and fruiting. If your tree is kept in a container or indoors, try to mimic these seasonal cues by reducing water, avoiding fertiliser and placing the plant in a cool location during winter. Even if leaves drop off, the tree is still alive and will regrow in spring. Understanding dormancy helps you avoid overwatering or panicking when the plant looks lifeless during colder months.