Growing Apple and Pear Trees from Seeds: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hello everyone! I'll be sharing an exciting gardening adventure with you—how to grow apple and pear trees from seeds. While both fruits come in various delightful varieties, the germination process for their seeds remains the same. So, whether you're a fan of crunchy Gala apples or soft and sweet Bartlett pears, this guide will help you embark on your journey of nurturing these fruit-bearing trees right from their seeds.

Disclaimer: Before we dive in, it's important to note that most commercially grown apples and pears are grafted, meaning they are not grown from seeds alone. Planting seeds from these fruits might not yield true-to-the-original fruit. However, you can still use these seeds to start new trees and then graft desirable varieties onto them. Alternatively, you can let these trees mature and observe the unique fruits they bear. Now, let's get started!

Step 1: Preparing the Seeds To begin, let's focus on the pear. Cut the pear down the center, being careful not to cut all the way through the seeds. Repeat this process for each quarter of the pear, and extract the core. Handpick the seeds from the pear's core. The process for the apple is similar. Slice through the apple slightly off-center to avoid cutting through the seeds. Then, slice up the sides while keeping the core intact. Extract the core and handpick the seeds.

Step 2: Drying the Seeds Place the extracted seeds on a paper towel and wrap the towel around them. Let the seeds air dry for two to three days. This drying process mimics nature and prevents the growth of mold and fungus. Once dry, proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Cold Treatment To simulate winter conditions, place the wrapped seeds in a refrigerator for one to two months at a temperature of around 40°F (4°C). This cold treatment prepares the seeds for germination. After the cold treatment, breach the seeds by making a small slice on one side of each seed with a knife. While this step is optional, it helps facilitate quicker germination by allowing the inner part of the seed to grow more efficiently.

Step 4: Planting the Seeds Fill a potting container with soil and plant the seeds, ensuring they are covered with a layer of soil. Water the seeds thoroughly after planting to provide the necessary moisture. Over the next two weeks, you'll witness the young seedlings breaking through the soil surface, displaying their initial growth.

Step 5: Nurturing the Seedlings As time passes, the seedlings will develop their first leaf within a month. Afterward, a new set of second and third leaves will begin to emerge, showcasing nature's miraculous unfolding. Ensure the seedlings receive plenty of sunlight by placing them near a window. Continue caring for the seedlings, watering them appropriately and maintaining their exposure to sunlight.

Step 6: Transplanting and Fruit Production After approximately two months, the second and third leaves will fully develop, signifying healthy growth. At this stage, the seedlings can be transplanted into the ground outside, preferably during the spring season. However, it will take about three to four years before the trees start producing fruit, so patience and continued care are necessary.

Conclusion:

Congratulations on your successful journey of growing apple and pear trees from seeds! It's a fulfilling process that allows you to witness nature's wonders firsthand. Remember, while the fruits you eventually harvest may not match the original variety, you'll have the joy of nurturing unique trees and experiencing the flavors they bring. I hope you found this video informative and that it inspires you to embark on your own!