The process of cultivating apple trees starting from their seeds involves specific steps that differ significantly from propagating through grafting or cuttings. These steps encompass seed extraction, stratification, germination, and subsequent seedling care to foster healthy growth. This approach, while potentially lengthy, offers a unique opportunity to observe the complete life cycle of an apple tree.
Raising trees in this manner can be beneficial for researchers or hobbyists interested in genetic variation and breeding new cultivars. Historically, this method was the primary way apple trees were propagated. While grafting provides more predictable results, learning the intricacies of seed-based propagation allows for a deeper understanding of plant biology and the potential for unique fruit characteristics.