Apples are one of the most appreciated fruits worldwide. Their attractive shape and sweet flavor make them one of the most consumed fruits. It is a fruit with many benefits and is rich in nutrients, in addition to being found in all seasons of the year. Getting them in the market is not as complicated as other seasonal fruits, however, it is also possible to plant your own apples directly in your garden and we have prepared a guide on how to do it.
The apple tree
First of all, you should know that the apple comes from the apple fruit tree (Malus domestica), which belongs to the Rosaceae family. Currently there is not only one type of apple tree, but thanks to hybridizations between wild forms, we have more than a thousand varieties. It is a medium-sized tree, which in optimal conditions can measure up to 4 meters in height.
But you should know that growing the apple tree is not a simple task, it requires patience and a lot of care. First of all, you must be aware of having enough space to house the tree. And although it is possible to plant an apple in a pot, the ideal would be to grow it directly in the ground. Although if this is not an option, planting in a pot is possible, although it will require enough soil space to absorb all the nutrients and extend its roots.
How to plant apples step by step
Germination
First of all, the origin of everything is required; the seed. You can obtain apple seeds directly from the fruit, but it is preferable that they have not been previously refrigerated. To germinate them, you need to wrap them in a damp, absorbent kitchen paper towel. Then place the paper in a tightly closed plastic bag and place it in the refrigerator. Take care that the temperature it reaches is not excessively cold as to cause it to freeze.
The germination process takes about a month, so patience is a very important virtue when growing apples. Constantly check the bag to the point where the roots are visible.
Plantation
Once the seeds are germinated, it is time to move them to the fertile soil. At this point it is important to know that the quality of the substrate is an essential part of the process, so it must contain enough phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. The apple tree likes clay soils with excellent drainage. Once you have the pot or direct soil prepared, you proceed to planting.
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Make a hole 2.5 to 5 centimeters deep, place the germinated seeds and cover them with soil. You can place two seeds in the same pot, to guarantee the growth of the plant in case one does not prosper. Once planted, water to keep the soil moist and give consistency to the planting. Finally, keep the soil moist and place the pot in a well-lit location.
Harvest
As we have warned at the beginning, apple cultivation is not a task for the impatient. On the contrary, it takes a long time before you can see the fruits grow from its branches, although when this happens it is absolutely worth it. It will take about four years for the young ones to grow to a meter and a half tree. And the fruits arrive even after this age and even after 50 years of planting.
Additional recommendations
As expected, the best season to plant apples is at the end of March. Although doing it in May and early June, which is when all tree species in general are planted, is also an appropriate time. The flowering of the apple tree occurs between the months of April and May. And its fruits begin to emerge between June and July, finally the fruit collection must take place between August and October.