How Do Apples Grow

Background Information: In winter the apple tree rests. On the branches are buds, some of which contain leaves and others that contain five flowers. The inner wall of the ovary becomes the apple core around the seeds. In summer, the apples grow bigger and gradually change color, and the tree produces new growth.

How does an apple grow from a flower?

In order for the blossoms to become apples, they must be cross-pollinated. It is at this point that fertilization occurs and ovules within the ovary become apple seeds. After the seeds develop, the petals from the blossoms fall off. Next, the ovary starts growing.

How does an apple seed grow into a tree?

It is possible to grow an apple tree from an apple seed. However, in most cases, apple trees don’t come true from seeds. Apple seeds need to be exposed to cool, moist conditions before they will germinate. The cool, moist requirement can be accomplished by planting apple seeds outdoors in fall.

How long does an apple tree take to produce apples?

Dwarf apple trees will start bearing fruit 2 to 3 years after planting. Standard size trees can take up to 8 years to bear fruit. Some varieties are more susceptible to insect and disease damage than others. Prune annually to keep apple trees healthy and productive.

What season do apples grow?

Harvesting. Normally the apples are ready for harvest from September-October except in the Nilgiris where the season is from April to July. The fruits mature within 130-150 days after the full bloom stage depending upon the variety grown.

Do all flowers turn into apples?

The blooms are key to apple production. If your tree doesn’t have many blossoms or they don’t stay on the tree for at least 10 days, your might not have many apples. The blossoms must be cross-pollinated by another variety of apple tree, or by a crabapple tree, to produce viable fruit.

How long after flowering do apples grow?

Once apple flowers are pollinated and fertilized by pollinators like bees, the fruits will begin to grow. The time from apple tree flower to fruit is about four to six months. Ripe apples are harvested from late summer until fall, and can be kept in controlled atmosphere storage for months.

Why is my apple tree not producing apples?

An apple tree without fruit may not be getting enough sun or water. Poor fruit production can also be caused by over fertilizing. Provide a 2 to 3 inch (5-8 cm.) layer of mulch around the tree, but not touching the trunk, for protection and moisture retention.

Can you grow apple trees from store bought apples?

You can use fruit purchased from the grocery store to grow your own tree. That means the seeds from the fruit usually have genes from two different apple varieties, so if you buy a Pink Lady or Gala apple and plant the seeds, don’t expect identical fruits from the resulting tree.

How long does it take an apple seed to sprout?

How long does it take for apple seeds to germinate? Depending on the variety, they may need 60 to 90 days of moist and cold conditions to germinate. Never allow the paper towel to dry out or become waterlogged: just add moisture as needed. When they have sprouted, they are ready for sowing.

Do I need 2 apple trees to produce fruit?

Unless you plant a self-pollinating apple tree, you need at least two trees for proper pollination. The trees should be different cultivars that flower at the same time.

Are apple trees hard to grow?

Growing apple trees organically can be challenging. Sadly, fruit trees also have a down side because they experience pest and disease problems, poor production, and nutrient deficiencies. And growing apple trees is notoriously difficult. When growing apple trees, there are so many potential problems to contend with.

How much does an apple tree cost?

The first year. In this example, we will be buy and care for an apple tree. Most trees cost about $25 retail. You need at least two apple trees, so they can pollinate each other.

Can apple grow in hot climate?

Apples can grow anywhere, excluding extremely hot or extremely cold climates.

How long does an apple tree live?

For instance, standard apple and pear trees can easily live for over 50 years, whereas dwarf and semi-dwarf trees may only live for 15-25 years. Dwarf and semi-dwarf trees tend to reach bearing age sooner, which can benefit the home gardener, but they will also reach the end of their productive life sooner.

Do apple trees fruit in first year?

Age when fruiting begins – apple trees Most apple trees will start to produce fruit in their 3rd or 4th year – but this can vary greatly.

Do apple trees produce every year?

Many species of apple tree will produce fruit every year — provided they’re grown in the right conditions and don’t sustain any damage. In some situations, your tree may fall into producing fruit only every second year. And remember: Apple trees won’t bear fruit for the first two to five years of growth.

How often do apple trees bear fruit?

Dwarfs and semi-dwarfs will bear in 3 to 4 years, yielding 1 to 2 bushels per year. Standard-size trees will bear in 5 to 8 years, yielding 4 to 5 bushels of apples per year. The variety of apple selected should be based on fruit characteristics, bloom time, and pollen compatibility.

How old is an apple tree before it bears fruit?

The average bearing age of fruit trees is as follows; apple – 4 to 5 years, sour or tart cherry – 3 to 5 years, pear – 4 to 6 years, and plum – 3 to 5 years.

Why is an apple not a fruit?

Apple develops from the thalamus, that is why it is referred to as false fruit. A fruit that is derived from a ripened ovary. They are formed from other parts of the plant as well as the ovary. True fruit can be simple fruits, aggregate fruits, and multiple fruits.

Can a pear tree pollinate an apple tree?

Apple and pear trees cannot cross pollinate one another because they are not part of the same species nor genus. Apples are in the genus Malus while pears are in the genus Pyrus.