An apple seed typically has the capacity to sprout a new tree, given the proper soil, temperatures, and moisture. Apple trees typically thrive in a temperate climate, such as regions in North America, Australia, and Northern Europe. Exact times on the required sprouting times vary by region to region, and apple variety, but it typically takes anywhere from 8- 21 days for the germination process to occur.
Once the tree has been planted, the seed will start to form a root system from which the tree will grow. As the root system continues to expand, growth of the apple tree can occur as soon as 4 to 5 months, if planted in the appropriate moist and well-draining soil. If in a colder climate, the apple tree may take up to a year to begin producing fruit.
In terms of propagation, many apple seeds have a ‘hillsides’ gene, meaning that the trees tend to grow best in an environment where they can be supported by either stakes, trellises, or support poles. If the apple tree is provided with the right conditions, pruning and fertilizing, it can then produce high-quality fruit with the proper cultivation.
For growers looking to increase the number of apple trees in their orchard, it is important to understand the ‘strand’ genetics of the trees. When two apple trees of the same variety are planted near each other, the root systems form a strand that gives the apple trees a higher chance of propagating and producing fruit. By taking the strand genetics into consideration when planting, a grower can ensure that the trees have the best chance for success.
Lastly, if you are lucky enough to have an abundantly fruitful apple tree, the best method for propagation is through cloning the tree. If you take a cutting from the tree, particularly from the fruited limbs, and give it the necessary pruning, fertilizing, and watering, you can propagate a copy of that tree with a much higher assuredness of success than planting a single apple seed.
Germination
Germination is the process of a tiny seed sprouting a young plant. It is the initial stage of a plant’s life and is essential to the creation of a healthy tree. The apple seed is no different. It needs a nutrient-rich soil to provide the necessary moisture and temperature in order to start growing. Apple trees thrive in temperate climate regions, like North America and Northern Europe. Planting apple trees in a colder climate may take up to a year to grow. The exact germination times depend on the variety and region of planting, but typically takes 8-21 days for a sapling to form.
Root System
Once an apple seed is planted it will attempt to form a root system. This is essential to the growth of the tree, as the root structure will determine how deeply the tree will be able to absorb nutrients, which affects the health and strength of the trunk and branches, along with the number of apple yields. The speed of root system growth depends on the richness of the soil and moisture. When the optimum environment is available, a root system should show signs of growth 4-5 months after planting.
Protection
Protection is an important part of an apple tree’s growth and health. Apple trees that have been planted in soil that has poor drainage or does not contain the right nutrition can become weak. Apple trees need adequate moisture, a well-draining soil and a protective covering from the elements, such as stakes, trellis and support poles. Although there is no specific rule as to the number of stakes and protection pieces required, a well-protected apple tree should be supported by at least two or three support pieces.
Propagation
Many apple trees have ‘hillside’ genetics and therefore, do best when planted in an environment where they can be supported by stakes, poles, or trellises. Being aware of these genetics when planting an apple tree will help increase the chances of propagating a new tree. Apple growers can also increase their number of apple trees by planting two of the same variety near each other and allowing them to intertwine and form a ‘strand’.
Cloning
If a healthy and fruitful apple tree is present, the best method of propagation is cloning. This is done by removing a cutting from the tree, particularly from a fruited limb, and ensuring that it is fertilized, pruned and watered properly. Choosing to propagate a tree through cloning will result in much higher success rate as opposed to planting a single seed.
Fertilization
Fertilization is a critical factor in the growth and development of the apple tree. The right fertilizer should be determined by the type of soil, nutrients, and fruit the apple tree is intending to produce. Organic fertilizer is a popular choice amongst apple growers, as it is a low-cost and sustainable way to improve soil fertility and tree health. Nitrogen is a necessary nutrient to spur healthy leaf and stem growth, while phosphorus and potassium are key components to fruit production.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of apple tree maintenance. Pruning help regulate the size and shape of the apple tree and fruit yields. Not only does it help control the size and shape of the tree, but it also helps optimize the energy put into growing fruit, and reduce the risk of tree diseases. Pruning is typically done in mid-winter, to allow for an early spring refresh. Depending on the tree, pruning can take from a few days to a few weeks.
