how do i grow an apple tree?

Question

i have an apple tree in my back yard and im moving, i want to take some seeds with me when i move. how can i grow them

Answer 1

There is about a 30% chance it will work, but it will take 6 years to find out. Please see the web site below for details.

Answer 2

You can try to grow it from seeds, but it may not grow a tree that produces apples that look or taste like the one they grew from. Most apples are cross-pollinated by bees, meaning that bees that have visited other varieties of apple blossoms also visit your apple tree when it is in bloom, so the seeds from that apple will have genes from another type of apple. This isn't necessarily a bad thing; some apple varieties such as Golden Delicious were originally developed from seed grown apples that developed somthing unique. But if you grow seeds from your apple tree, it will likely not produce the same apples as you are looking for, and it will take many years for a seed-grown tree to reach fruiting age.
You might have more luck if you propagate the tree by cuttings. At least you will have a tree that produces apples like the ones you have now. Rooting a cutting from a plant is making a clone from it; it will be genetically identical to the plant you take the cutting from. To be on the safe side, take several cuttings and you are likely to successfully root one of them. Cut 6 to 8 inch pieces off the end of several small branches. They should be mature ones, maybe 1/4" in diameter. Cut just below a leaf node (a little bumpy or ridgy place on the stick) and dip it in rooting hormone. You can find the rooting hormone at any plant nursery or most home and garden supply stores. Plant the cuttings 2 to 3 inches deep in a small pot filled with potting soil and keep the soil moist but not soaked. It will take at least a month and probably longer before any roots develop, so just leave your cuttings alone for awhile. With any luck, they will root and you may see some fresh leaf buds swelling on the cuttings. When you do get roots, repot the cuttings and keep growing them in a pot until you get a decent amount of roots. Then plant it in its final location and care for it as you would any young fruit tree.
Even starting the tree from a cutting, it will take a number of years before it is mature enough to set fruit, but it will sure be nice to have a tree started from the one at your old house.

Answer 3

Put them in soil and keep them watered and don't let them dry out. they most likely will not come out true to the old tree unless it was not grafted as most are these days. Even if not, it will take several years for it to do any flowering or putting on of fruit. It will take most likely at least 5 to 7 years just to get blossoms. Then you just take care of them as you would normally and keep it well watered and spray for bugs.

Answer 4

You would be better off going to K-mart, Home Depot, etc. and buying one of the variety you now have. It will take 3 years to bear fruit but 3 is better than 6. I would recommend a dwarf golden delicious.