Have you ever tried to grow apple trees ( Malus domestica ) from seeds collected in an apple? We may think that they are good for germination. They are seeds and seeds are supposed to grow, right? In this article we teach how to grow apples organically from seed and all the care needed to ensure the tree sprouts and grows healthy.
Preparing the seeds (stratification)
Stratification means that the seeds must be treated with cold temperatures for a certain period of time before they germinate. Seeds never germinate without stratification.
The seeds require a period of drought followed by a period of stratification. If you ignore these two steps, you will likely not have the seed germination success you expect.
Let the seeds dry for 3-4 weeks first. Spread the seeds on a piece of paper and wrap them.
After a month, the seeds lose their shine and take on a drier appearance. This is a good indication that the kibble is drying well.
Once the seeds are dry, place them in a zip-lock bag or Tupperware-type plastic box and place in the refrigerator for about three months.
How to grow apples from seed
After this stratification time, you can put the seeds in the soil so that they start to germinate, it is better to use soil because it contains all the nutrients that the seeds need to germinate, but if you only have garden soil, add a a little compost to enrich it.
If you sow them in the garden, you will have to wait until spring, when the risk of frost has passed, but if you germinate them indoors, you can start at any time of the year as long as the temperature inside is not lower than 10 degrees C.
The ideal is to place one seed per pot or seedbed, so that the transplant is easier to carry out later. Bury the seeds to a depth of about 2cm, make sure they are well covered with soil.
Place the pots in direct sunlight until you see the first shoots, then give them some but not midday sun. When they are older they will need full sun.
Always maintain humidity until you see the first shoots, then reduce watering, do it when you notice that the earth is very dry. Know that you can insert a finger into the soil and you will notice whether there is no moisture or not.
When the plant reaches 15-30 cm it can be transplanted into its final position. If you plan to grow apples in a pot, look for a large one, at least 20 liters, so you don’t have to transplant a year after planting.
When to transplant an apple tree?
Generally, apple trees are planted in autumn or winter, except for periods of frost which make working the soil difficult.
Container-grown apple trees can be planted throughout the growing season, as long as they receive adequate water.
The tree enjoys winter rains, which are ideal for the development of the young tree. Planted too early or too late, the greedy vegetative system will slow root development.
Selection of the planting site
As with most fruits, apple trees grow best in full sun, which means six or more hours of direct sunlight per day in the summer.
Apple trees need well-drained soil, but one that can retain some moisture. The best soils are those with a light or medium texture. They have difficulty in heavy clay soils; Poorly drained soils cause root rot disease.
Plant them in a location with good air circulation so the leaves dry quickly after rain or watering (or the tree risks fungal leaf diseases).
Make sure the tree is not planted in a “frost pocket,” where cold air settles in low areas. If possible, choose a high spot so cold air can drain away from the trees.
The ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 6.5, but a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0 is acceptable. Perform a soil test before planting apple trees.
How to transplant an apple tree
If you plant several apple trees, spread them about 5 feet apart.
To plant, dig a hole about 80cm deep and 60cm wide (to accommodate the plant’s roots), remove any weeds, loosen the bottom of the hole by 20cm and lay a bed of gravel or sand for good drainage.
Depending on the diameter, height of the tree and exposure to winds, insert a stake into the hole that helps the tree stand against the prevailing wind, at least 1m50 high.
Replace the prepared potting soil and water thoroughly, then pat the soil gently with your foot to firm the soil. Finally, water deeply but without forming puddles and tie the plant to the stake loosely to leave room for the trunk to grow.
apple tree care
Water young trees regularly so that the root system is well established.
Apple trees require early training so that their branches are strong and can support heavy crops. Dwarf plants should be supported on stakes or trellises and attached to a central pole system.
apple tree pruning
Pruning slows the overall growth of a young tree and can delay fruit set, so don’t rush to prune except to remove misplaced, broken or dead branches. There are several techniques for directing growth without the need for heavy pruning. For example:
Remove misplaced shoots before they become misplaced branches.
Prune annually to maintain size and shape once your apple tree has filled out and is bearing fruit. Pruning reduces disease by letting in more light and air. Large trees may require more pruning (and a ladder!).
Prune your mature tree when it is dormant (winter). Completely eliminate stems that are too vigorous and erect (most frequent in the upper part of the tree).
Cut off weak twigs that often hang from the bottom of larger branches. Trim any overly drooping stems, especially those at the bottom of the tree.
After about ten years, the fruiting spurs (squat branches that grow only an inch per year) become thick and decrepit. Cut some completely and shorten others to make room for a younger replacement.
parasites
Pest control measures will be an important part of the cure. The right timing is essential to avoid harming bees and affecting pollination.
When used, pesticides are applied at a specific stage of flower and fruit development, not by schedule. It’s important to research your strain and climate to find out which pests are most likely to be a problem, allowing you to apply the right controls at the right time.
If you want to avoid pesticides, it is possible, although the apple tree is one of the fruits most susceptible to parasites. For example, you can place paper bags around each apple on your tree, although this takes time and work. There are also organic pesticides.
thinning of apples
Apples are usually grown without thinning other than what nature provides in the annual spring fall.
However, to avoid potential problems with disease and insects, it is useful to thin after natural fruit drop (4-6 weeks after flowering) to one fruit per bunch or 15-20cm between fruits.
Shortly after setting, remove any smaller or damaged fruit.
It sounds difficult, but this practice evens out production, prevents a heavy crop from breaking branches, and ensures a crop of larger, better-tasting fruit.
How to pick apples
It is best to harvest it in broad daylight, making sure there is no humidity.
When they reach their spot, the apples easily fall from the tree.
Store apples in a cool, dark place.