Apples are one of the most popular fruits in the world, and gardeners often wonder if they can grow their own trees from the seeds inside. Saving apple seeds is possible and can be a rewarding project if you follow the right steps. Although apple trees grown from seed do not always produce fruit identical to the parent apple, the process of saving, storing, and germinating seeds is a valuable skill for home gardeners. In this guide, you will learn how to save seeds from apples, how to prepare them for storage, and the best way to keep them viable for planting.
Why Save Apple Seeds
Saving apple seeds offers many benefits. First, it allows you to experiment with growing new varieties. Since apples do not grow true to seed, each one carries a mix of traits from its parent trees. This means you could grow a unique tree with new flavors, shapes, or growth habits. Second, saving seeds connects you to the natural cycle of food and plants, allowing you to become more self-reliant. Finally, saving seeds can reduce costs if you want to grow more apple trees without buying grafted seedlings from a nursery.
Choosing the Right Apples for Seed Saving
Not all apples are ideal for seed saving. Choose healthy, fully ripe apples from strong, productive trees. Avoid apples that show signs of disease, insect damage, or poor quality. The healthiest apples usually contain the strongest seeds. Additionally, select apples that have grown in your region, since they will likely adapt better to your local climate. If you pick apples from a local orchard, talk with the grower about which varieties are hardy and reliable in your area.
Extracting Apple Seeds
The first step in saving apple seeds is to remove them from the fruit. Cut the apple open and scoop out the seeds from the core. Place the seeds on a clean paper towel or plate. Be sure to handle them carefully, as you do not want to damage the thin seed coat. A damaged seed coat can lead to poor germination. After removing the seeds, gently wash them under cool running water to remove any fruit residue. This step is important because leftover fruit pulp can cause mold during drying or storage.
Drying Apple Seeds
Once you have cleaned the seeds, it is time to dry them. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a paper towel, napkin, or a screen in a cool, dry location. Keep them out of direct sunlight, which can overheat and damage them. Stir or rotate the seeds daily to make sure all sides dry evenly. The drying process usually takes about one week. Seeds must be completely dry before storage, as even slight moisture can cause mold or early sprouting. A properly dried seed should feel hard and firm when you press it gently.
Stratification: Preparing Seeds for Germination
Apple seeds need a period of cold stratification before they will sprout. This means they must be exposed to cold, damp conditions that mimic winter. If you want to plant your seeds immediately after saving them, you can place them in a plastic bag with a bit of moist peat moss, sand, or paper towel. Store the bag in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 weeks. Check the seeds regularly to make sure they remain moist but not wet. After this chilling period, they will be ready to germinate when planted in soil.
If you plan to save seeds for longer periods before planting, you should still understand stratification so you can prepare them for future growth.
Storing Apple Seeds in Paper Envelopes
When storing apple seeds long term, the container you use matters. Paper seed-saving envelopes are one of the best choices for short-term storage. Paper allows seeds to breathe and prevents excess moisture from being trapped inside. You can label each envelope with the apple variety and date of collection. Keep the envelopes in a cool, dark, and dry location such as a cabinet, pantry, or desk drawer. This method works well if you plan to use the seeds within a year.
Storing Apple Seeds in Airtight Containers
For long-term seed saving, airtight containers provide better protection. You can use glass jars, metal tins, or strong plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Place the seeds in small paper envelopes first, and then put the envelopes inside the container. This adds an extra layer of protection. To control moisture, include a silica gel packet in the container. Silica gel absorbs excess humidity and helps keep seeds dry. When stored this way, apple seeds can remain viable for several years. Keep the container in a cool and dark place, such as a basement or refrigerator, to extend their lifespan.
Labeling and Organization
Organization is key when saving seeds. Always label your envelopes or containers with the apple variety, the collection date, and any special notes. This will help you track how long the seeds have been stored and make it easier to decide which ones to plant first. You can also keep a seed-saving journal with details about where you collected the apples, how the trees performed, and the storage method you used. This extra record-keeping can be helpful if you plan to grow multiple apple varieties or share seeds with other gardeners.
Best Conditions for Long-Term Storage
Apple seeds last longest in conditions that are cool, dark, and dry. Ideally, store them in a refrigerator that stays between 32°F and 41°F. Avoid freezers, as freezing can damage apple seeds unless they are prepared in specialized seed banks. Never store seeds near heat sources or in damp basements, as fluctuating temperatures and moisture can quickly reduce seed viability. If you live in a hot climate, storing seeds in airtight containers with silica gel inside a refrigerator is the most reliable method.
When to Plant Saved Apple Seeds
Once you are ready to grow apple trees, remove the seeds from storage and stratify them if necessary. After the cold treatment, plant them in small pots filled with nutrient-rich soil. Place the pots in a sunny location and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Seedlings may take several weeks to emerge, so be patient. Once the seedlings are strong, you can transplant them outdoors in spring after the danger of frost has passed. Keep in mind that apple trees grown from seed take several years to mature and bear fruit, often between 6 to 10 years.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several mistakes can reduce the success of saving apple seeds. The most common one is failing to dry the seeds properly before storage. Even slight moisture can lead to mold. Another mistake is storing seeds in plastic bags without protection, which traps humidity and shortens seed life. Some gardeners also forget the need for stratification and wonder why their seeds will not sprout. Always remember that apple seeds require a chilling period before they will germinate. Finally, avoid storing seeds in places with fluctuating temperatures, like garages or near kitchen ovens.
Benefits of Growing Apple Trees from Saved Seeds
Although apple trees from saved seeds may not produce fruit identical to the parent apple, growing them is still rewarding. You can discover unique flavors, textures, or colors that are different from store-bought varieties. Additionally, growing apple trees from seed teaches patience and builds a stronger connection to nature. Even if your seed-grown apple tree does not produce perfect fruit, it can serve as a hardy rootstock for grafting other varieties. This way, you can combine seed-saving with grafting for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to save seeds from apples is both practical and rewarding. By selecting healthy fruit, cleaning and drying the seeds, and storing them in the right conditions, you can preserve apple seeds for years. Paper envelopes work well for short-term storage, while airtight containers with silica gel packets keep seeds safe for longer periods. Remember to label your seeds, keep them in a cool and dry place, and stratify them before planting. With patience and care, you can grow your own apple trees and even discover new varieties. Seed saving is not only about producing more plants but also about preserving biodiversity and connecting with the natural cycle of growth.
Please be sure to check out my Gardening Blog Post Page for more tips on all types of gardening. Including Seed Saving, Seed Starting, Orchids, Water Gardening, Coldframe Gardening, Indoor Bulb Gardening, Hydroponics, Container Gardening, Mums, Herbs, African Violets, planting Bulbs, Flower Gardening, Vegetable and Fruit Gardening, Indoor Houseplants of all kinds, Bonsai, Cactus, Succulents, Hanging plants, Deer resistant plants and even Bird, Bee, Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens!