As promised, here are the instructions on how to grow your very own apple tree from seeds (I'm thinking the same instructions could apply to pears, as well).
1. Enjoy a delicious apple of your choice, then cut open the core to reveal the seeds.
2. Roll seeds up in a damp paper towel. You will want to roll them all up, because some will not sprout.
3. Refrigerate for 7-14 days.
4. Check on your seeds every few days. The skin will start to crack open and little tails should appear by day 7 or so.
5. Once the tails are about as long as the seed, fill a small container with potting soil and plant your seed approximately 1 cm below the surface.
6. Water whenever the soil dries out (I water mine every 2-3 days). Your seedlings will soon pop their heads out of the soil to greet the sun.
7. Once the seedlings look sturdy enough to fend for themselves, plant them outdoors in a spot safe from possible predators.
8. Sit back and relax for 6-10 years and then see if your tree produces fruit as delicious as that first apple!
Just as a note (and as a response to Erica's question): because commercial apples have been hybridized so much, you really don't know what genes will show up in your little seeds. This is why the tree may not ever fruit or, if it does, why the fruit may not be very tasty. I still say it's a fun project though...and besides, I have faith in my little trees! ;-)
1. Enjoy a delicious apple of your choice, then cut open the core to reveal the seeds.
2. Roll seeds up in a damp paper towel. You will want to roll them all up, because some will not sprout.
3. Refrigerate for 7-14 days.
4. Check on your seeds every few days. The skin will start to crack open and little tails should appear by day 7 or so.
5. Once the tails are about as long as the seed, fill a small container with potting soil and plant your seed approximately 1 cm below the surface.
6. Water whenever the soil dries out (I water mine every 2-3 days). Your seedlings will soon pop their heads out of the soil to greet the sun.
7. Once the seedlings look sturdy enough to fend for themselves, plant them outdoors in a spot safe from possible predators.
8. Sit back and relax for 6-10 years and then see if your tree produces fruit as delicious as that first apple!
Just as a note (and as a response to Erica's question): because commercial apples have been hybridized so much, you really don't know what genes will show up in your little seeds. This is why the tree may not ever fruit or, if it does, why the fruit may not be very tasty. I still say it's a fun project though...and besides, I have faith in my little trees! ;-)