Apple Tree

I've decided to test root development v plant growth in an ordinary tree/plant. I've picked apple trees, as I have two in my garden and there are apples all over the place.

However, after doing a 2min read up on apple tree seed germination. I've discovered that it isn't going to be as easy as I'd first hoped. It seems that it is really difficult to successfully germinate an apple seed directly after harvest... as the seeds need to go through some type of Winter.

So I have a plan. I'm going to germinate the seeds between paper towels, only I'm going to stick them in the freezer for a few days. Then take them out and allow to thaw. After thawing I intend to spray the tissue with pre-boiled, luke-warm 6.0 water... I'm hoping this might help trick the seed into thinking spring has come, and the harsh winter is over.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated before I start.

Ok. I have 6 apple seeds, pulled from one apple. they all look healthy seeds, but then... what do I know about apple seeds... not a lot.

I can't wait for fdd' to get up at 1430 (my time) for advice. So, i'm pressing ahead now. I've always been an impatient mo' fo'.

I'm also going to be growing the tree indoors, and in a tiny pot. Anyone, with anything to share on growth rates, nute schedules etc, the info' is sorely needed. Ah, getting ahead of myself again.

In fact. I think I'll try just germinating one seed the usual way, in paper towels and put the others in the freezer.

What did your mrs say when you broke this gem to her,

nongreenthumb said:

What did your mrs say when you broke this gem to her,

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She's pleased for me... I think. She didn't really say much, but she's really good like that. She's been with me for nearly 9 years, so she knew me when I was doing things much worse.

Its just the idea of growing an apple tree indoors, sounds a little crazy. Brings up all sorts of images lol/

You think it'll grow fast? I'm imagining a slow growth rate... maybe a couple of years. I need to research apple trees a bit more.

all you will get from your seeds are crab apples thats it all apples are grown by taking a cutting from known genetics like macintosh etc then top and split a trunk then tie the cutting in the trunk to grow the genetics in the cutting i think your wasting your time
but i do still love u and dont tell my husband.

butterflykisses said:

all you will get from your seeds are crab apples thats it all apples are grown by taking a cutting from known genetics like macintosh etc then top and split a trunk then tie the cutting in the trunk to grow the genetics in the cutting i think your wasting your time
but i do still love u and dont tell my husband.

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Thanks for the advice... excellent advice. I didn't even think of cloning. One of the trees is a Granny Smith, beautiful english apples.

I'm not really understanding the cloning part though... must i graft it to the tree? Couldn't I put a cutting in a cube? Surely the cutting of the tree will have the genetics already in it?

back to your first post, make sure you let the seeds dry for at least a week or so before you freeze them. let them freeze for a few days and then let them sit out, dry, for a couple more. they'll be all set to germ after that, no need to give them warm water or anything like that. when the freeze is over it's spring as far as they're concerned.

umm, the seeds from the apples will grow the same thing that is in the genetics of the parents... could be cross pollinated if you have other types in the area - bees have quite a range.

you going to put them in diff sized pots and see which one makes more apples in a couple years?






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7xstall said:

back to your first post, make sure you let the seeds dry for at least a week or so before you freeze them. let them freeze for a few days and then let them sit out, dry, for a couple more. they'll be all set to germ after that, no need to give them warm water or anything like that. when the freeze is over it's spring as far as they're concerned.

umm, the seeds from the apples will grow the same thing that is in the genetics of the parents... could be cross pollinated if you have other types in the area - bees have quite a range.

you going to put them in diff sized pots and see which one makes more apples in a couple years?






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Thanks for that 7x'... I'm almost positive they're granny smiths. I was just intending to grow one, in a 3 litre container. I thought that would be good enough.

I may have to start again though, as I placed the others in the freezer already. Nothing to worry about, I've got hundreds of apples.

skunkushybrid said:

Thanks for that 7x'... I'm almost positive they're granny smiths. I was just intending to grow one, in a 3 litre container. I thought that would be good enough.

I may have to start again though, as I placed the others in the freezer already. Nothing to worry about, I've got hundreds of apples.

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they might still work, won't hurt to try. if the seeds are too wet the ice crystals can shear the little embryo.

it will be awesome if you get apples from a tree in a 3 liter! after seeing fdd's backyard pics it wouldn't completely surprise me though.






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7xstall said:

after seeing fdd's backyard pics it wouldn't completely surprise me though.






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Me neither. i just got to get a seed to germ', and I'm off.

So far every royal gala apple plant that i have attempted to grow has ended up going rotten.
They have never lasted more than a few months,my only advice on apple plants is that they like it dry.

check this out skunk Growing Apple Trees In The Home Garden

i'd dry the seeds first. then freeze. then germ. i think apple seeds grow apple trees. i could be wrong.

skunkushybrid said:

Me neither. i just got to get a seed to germ', and I'm off.

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it germed already!!!??? what did you do?

InvaderMark said:

it germed already!!!??? what did you do?

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No. I have one on the germ plate still next to a load of other stubborn cannabis seeds. The others are still in the freezer.

Remember the seed that I threw straight onto the germ plate? Well it seems to have a small pointy brown bit poking out that looks a little like a root. I doubt my camera is good enough to show this... wait there.

No, it isn't... bastard. But it's there, just poking out... although it looks brown. No, it is brown. It's definitely coming from inside the seed...

Anyone know what an apple root looks like as it emerges from the seed?

skunkushybrid said:

Remember the seed that I threw straight onto the germ plate? Well it seems to have a small pointy brown bit poking out that looks a little like a root. I doubt my camera is good enough to show this... wait there.

No, it isn't... bastard. But it's there, just poking out... although it looks brown. No, it is brown. It's definitely coming from inside the seed...

Anyone know what an apple root looks like as it emerges from the seed?

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All of the apple seeds always seem to sprout but the royal gala plants that i grew rotted from being outside in this wet british summer.
The small pointy bit is the beginning of germination,i would say don't put them outside for at least a year

I'm going to keep them it indoors for as long as I can.

I took that seed straight from an apple and just threw it onto the germ' plate. I'm still not completely convinced on the root yet, but what a result if it is!