I am trying to germinate apple seedlings to graft onto. I purchased apple seeds from etsy (hope its legit) Im reading and watching videos about germinating them. Either put them on a moist paper towel into the refrigerator, or direct sow them into the ground and hope they start to grow in Spring. Has anybody tried either method and any suggestions are appreciated.
Apple Seedlings to Graft
- Thread starter Luongo43
- Start date
In the past I've had good luck growing apple seedlings using seeds I've saved from store bought apples. I freeze the seeds for a month like they would see in nature and then I would plant them directly into 6" pots. I would put a bunch of seeds in every pot to ensure that at least one sprouts. I keep the fastest growing seedling and pull the rest.
Now I just buy apple rootstock for about $5 per plant when you order 20. I use dolgo or red splendor crabapple seedlings from Yellow River Nurseries in Wisconsin.
Now I just buy apple rootstock for about $5 per plant when you order 20. I use dolgo or red splendor crabapple seedlings from Yellow River Nurseries in Wisconsin.
Your plan will definitely work.
Smokegobbler
5 year old buck +
Keep the moisture in the paper towel to a minimum and they shouldn't germinate in the refrigerator. Too much moisture will lead to germination once the stratification period is met.
bigboreblr
5 year old buck +
A little info on the apple as browse thread. Thought it was in foodplots section.
I'd sugguest getting rootstock instead. money isn't the gamble here, time is. I saw a youtbue video where they planted a rootstock, left it for a year or so sideways in the ground and covered up in woodchips mostly. Rootstock was growing shoots. Use the shoots as rootstock.
Rootstock has 4 main properties. It is a known size, it is known to perfer certain soils, it is known to be disease resistant, and lasty it is known to accept grafts well.
If I wasn't low on room to plant more trees, I'd give the tipped over method a try.
If you do prefer to grow from seed, it might be best ot find a local tree that likes the soil and weather in your area.
Find a deal for a large amount, use what you need this year, then put rest in nursery and work them the next year or year after that. Some folks get 100 rootstocks shipped for 250 or so.
www.copenhavenfarms.com
I'd sugguest getting rootstock instead. money isn't the gamble here, time is. I saw a youtbue video where they planted a rootstock, left it for a year or so sideways in the ground and covered up in woodchips mostly. Rootstock was growing shoots. Use the shoots as rootstock.
Rootstock has 4 main properties. It is a known size, it is known to perfer certain soils, it is known to be disease resistant, and lasty it is known to accept grafts well.
If I wasn't low on room to plant more trees, I'd give the tipped over method a try.
If you do prefer to grow from seed, it might be best ot find a local tree that likes the soil and weather in your area.
Find a deal for a large amount, use what you need this year, then put rest in nursery and work them the next year or year after that. Some folks get 100 rootstocks shipped for 250 or so.
Apple Price List — CopenHaven Farms
www.copenhavenfarms.com
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I've tried both methods. I've had better luck just direct sowing the seeds into bare soil. With our long winters, the fridge method resulted in the seeds sprouting yet not surviving the transplant well. The direct sow method allows the seeds to germinate at their own pace as conditions allow.
Wild crabapples have germinated well from seed for me. I did try direct sowing apple seeds from store bought fruit (my kids go through a ton of apples) this fall, we will see how they do next spring.
Wild crabapples have germinated well from seed for me. I did try direct sowing apple seeds from store bought fruit (my kids go through a ton of apples) this fall, we will see how they do next spring.
Very helpful thank you! I will find some soil, plant them directly in the dirt and cover with something to protect against animals!
bigboreblr
5 year old buck +
luongo,
Still watching this post? We got the scion exchange up.
Also, noticed Cummins nursery in ithaca, NY sell triumph. Sold out for 2025, but have stock for 2026 for sale.
Still watching this post? We got the scion exchange up.
Also, noticed Cummins nursery in ithaca, NY sell triumph. Sold out for 2025, but have stock for 2026 for sale.
bigboreblr
5 year old buck +
IF continuing this down the road, try getting dolgo or hewes seeds. Hewes was used as rootstock during colonial times here in the US. M111 is 3/4's northern spy and 1/4 an Malling 2.
Wow awesome I’ve never heard this before. Thanks for that info!
