Apple Sapling/Tree/Sprout - Ask Extension
I took a apple seed from a apple and decided that I was going to plant it and grow it. I did my research and germinated the seed and planted it. Its g...
Knowledgebase
Apple Sapling/Tree/Sprout #333406
Asked June 17, 2016, 2:11 PM EDT
I took a apple seed from a apple and decided that I was going to plant it and grow it. I did my research and germinated the seed and planted it. Its going good, its in a pot and is about 1 1/2 to 2 years old, but in the last 5 months or so its grown almost 2 feet. My question is, should I put it outside now in the summer or will the trees leaves burn because its been inside? Its by a south facing window but it does not get much sun. Also if I can put it outside should I leave it out over the winter or should I bring it inside? It spent all of last winter inside, don't know if that was a good Idea or not. I decided to because at the time it was only about 6 to 8 inches tall. But know its about 2 feet tall so I dont know if it is strong enough to stay out there. Ill post a picture of my tree from January 27, 2016 (left) and then ill post a picture of it now (right) to show you how much it has grown.
Clinton County Iowa
Expert Response
I would plant the tree outdoors later in summer.
However, before the tree can be planted outdoors it needs to be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions. Initially, place the apple tree in a shady, protected location, such as on the north side of a building. Initially, the apple tree should not receive any direct sun. After 6 to 7 days, move the apple tree to a location that receives 1 to 2 hours of morning sun. Leave the tree there are another 6 to 7 days. Then move the apple tree to site that receives 3 to 4 hours of morning sun. Leave the tree there for another 6 to 7 days. At the end of 6 to 7 days, the tree can be planted in the ground. Check on the tree on a regular basis during the entire period and water when needed.
In fall, place hardware cloth or chicken wire fencing around the small tree to prevent rabbit browsing in winter.
However, before the tree can be planted outdoors it needs to be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions. Initially, place the apple tree in a shady, protected location, such as on the north side of a building. Initially, the apple tree should not receive any direct sun. After 6 to 7 days, move the apple tree to a location that receives 1 to 2 hours of morning sun. Leave the tree there are another 6 to 7 days. Then move the apple tree to site that receives 3 to 4 hours of morning sun. Leave the tree there for another 6 to 7 days. At the end of 6 to 7 days, the tree can be planted in the ground. Check on the tree on a regular basis during the entire period and water when needed.
In fall, place hardware cloth or chicken wire fencing around the small tree to prevent rabbit browsing in winter.
Do you think that it is sturdy enough because I am using a think to help stand it up because without it it would lean over very far?
If the apple tree is unable to stand up straight by itself, insert a stake next to the tree's stem and attach the stem to the stake with stretch ties or tape.
Will do, and last thing is, so it will be safe in the winter? Will it go dormant and come back safely?
The tree will go dormant in fall like other trees. It should survive the winter. The biggest threat to the young tree is rabbits.
Ok thank you for all your help!
