Can you Grow Apples from Pips? | Should you if you can? 6 Pros and cons

What are Pips?

The term “pip” is used to describe the seeds found inside an apple fruit. These small, brown seeds are the means by which apple trees reproduce and grow new trees.

Anatomy of an apple seed:

• An apple seed is a small, brown, oval-shaped structure that measures about 1-2 cm in length.
• The seed is encased in a hard outer shell, which protects the delicate embryo inside.
• The embryo contains all the genetic material necessary to grow a new apple tree, including the roots, stem, and leaves.

Types of apple seeds:

There are two main types of apple seeds: diploid and triploid.

Diploid seeds contain two sets of chromosomes, while triploid seeds contain three sets.

Triploid seeds are the result of a genetic mutation and are not capable of producing viable offspring on their own.

They are commonly found in hybrid apple varieties and are not suitable for growing new trees. Diploid seeds, on the other hand, are the most common type of apple seed and are used to grow new trees from pips.

While the resulting tree may not be identical to the parent tree, it will produce apples that are similar in taste and texture.

To grow an apple tree from pips, you’ll need to collect and prepare the seeds. Begin by selecting a healthy, ripe apple from a local orchard or farmer’s market. Cut the apple open and remove the seeds. Rinse the seeds under cold water and use a strainer to remove any remaining flesh or debris.

Germinating the seeds:

Once you’ve collected and prepared the seeds, it’s time to germinate them. One way to do this is to place the seeds in a damp paper towel or coffee filter and seal them in a plastic bag.

Store the bag in a cool, dark place, such as a refrigerator, for 4-6 weeks. Check the seeds periodically to make sure they remain moist. After 4-6 weeks, remove the seeds from the bag and plant them in individual pots filled with potting soil.

Transplanting the seedlings:

After the seedlings have grown to a height of 6-8 inches, they can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground. If planting directly into the ground, choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil.

Caring for the apple tree:

Once the apple tree has been planted, it’s important to care for it properly. Water the tree regularly, especially during dry spells, and fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year.

Prune the tree regularly to promote healthy growth and remove any dead or damaged branches. Protect the tree from pests and disease by spraying it with an organic insecticide and fungicide as needed.

Factors that can affect the success of growing apples from pips:

While it’s possible to grow apples from pips, there are several factors that can affect the success of the venture. These include:

Climate and location:

Apples thrive in cool to temperate climates, and they require a certain number of chill hours each year to produce fruit. If you live in a warm or tropical climate, it may be difficult to grow apples from pips.

Soil type and quality:

Apples require well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy and clay-like, it may be difficult to grow apples from pips.

Apple variety:

Not all apple varieties are suitable for growing from pips. Some varieties may produce apples that are different from the parent tree, or they may not produce fruit at all.

Disease and pest management:

Apples are susceptible to a range of diseases and pests, and it’s important to take steps to protect your tree from these threats. Regular spraying with an organic insecticide and fungicide can help prevent damage and promote healthy growth.

Should You Grow Apples from Pips?

Pros of growing apples from pips

Cost-effectiveness:

Growing apple trees from pips is a cost-effective way to start an orchard. Apple seeds can be easily collected from store-bought or homegrown apples, and the cost of materials needed to germinate and care for the seedlings is minimal.

This can be especially appealing to those who want to grow apples but don’t want to invest a lot of money.

Variety selection:

When growing apples from pips, you have the opportunity to create unique and potentially delicious apple varieties.

Since apples grown from pips may not be identical to the parent tree, you can experiment with different crosses and see what kind of fruit your tree produces. This can be a fun and exciting project for amateur gardeners and apple enthusiasts.

Educational value:

Growing apples from pips can be a great educational experience for children and adults alike.

It offers an opportunity to learn about the life cycle of plants, and the process of germination, growth, and care. It can also be a great way to teach kids about where their food comes from and the importance of sustainable agriculture.

Adaptability:

Apple trees grown from pips tend to be more adaptable to their environment than grafted trees. They can better tolerate changes in soil and climate conditions, making them a good choice for backyard orchards or home gardens.

Disease resistance:

Some apple varieties grown from pips may have natural disease resistance. By selecting seeds from disease-resistant apples, you may be able to grow trees that are more resistant to common apple diseases such as apple scab and fire blight.

Sustainability:

Growing apple trees from pips can be a sustainable practice that reduces waste and promotes local food production. It can also be a fun way to connect with your community and share your harvest with friends and neighbors.

Cons of growing apples from pips

Uncertainty:

Growing apples from pips is a long and uncertain process. The resulting tree may not produce fruit or may produce fruit that is of poor quality. Even if the fruit is good, it may take several years for the tree to mature and produce a sizable crop.

Susceptibility to pests and disease:

Apple trees grown from pips are more susceptible to pests and disease than those grown from grafted rootstock. This is because they lack the genetic resistance that grafted trees have.

This can make it difficult to produce healthy apples without the use of pesticides and other chemical treatments.

Not suitable for commercial production:

Growing apples from pips may not be a suitable option for those looking to produce apples on a commercial scale. This is because the resulting trees may not produce consistent fruit or may not be disease-resistant, which can result in lower yields and lower profits.

Time-consuming process:

Growing apple trees from pips is a long process that can take several years before the tree produces fruit. This can be frustrating for those who want quick results or are looking to produce apples on a commercial scale.

Inconsistent fruit quality:

Apples grown from pips may not produce fruit that is identical to the parent tree. The resulting fruit may be of poor quality, or the tree may not produce fruit at all. This inconsistency can make it difficult to produce a reliable crop.

High failure rate:

Growing apple trees from pips has a high failure rate, as many of the seeds will not germinate or the resulting trees will not survive. This can be discouraging for those who are looking to start an orchard or produce a significant crop.

Additionally, the resulting trees may not be disease-resistant, making them more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Alternatives to growing apples from pips

1. Grafting onto rootstock: Grafting is a process in which a cutting from a desired apple variety is grafted onto the rootstock of a different tree. This can produce more reliable results than growing from pips, as the resulting tree will have the same genetics as the parent tree. This method can be more expensive and requires more specialized knowledge and equipment.
2. Purchasing a young apple tree: Purchasing a young apple tree from a nursery or garden center can be a more reliable option than growing from pips. The tree will have already gone through the germination and early growth stages and will be more likely to produce fruit sooner.
3. Joining a community orchard: For those who enjoy fresh apples but don’t want to grow their own trees, joining a community orchard can be a great alternative. Community orchards are often run by volunteers and offer the opportunity to pick fresh apples and participate in the maintenance of the orchard.
4. Grafting: Grafting involves taking a cutting or scion from a healthy apple tree and attaching it to a rootstock. The resulting tree will have the same characteristics as the parent tree, including fruit quality and disease resistance. Grafting is a faster and more reliable method of producing apple trees than growing them from pips.
5.  Budding: Budding is a type of grafting that involves attaching a bud from a desired apple tree onto a rootstock. This method is commonly used for apple trees because it is less labor-intensive than other methods of grafting and can be done during the growing season.
6. Layering: Layering involves bending a branch from an existing apple tree and burying a portion of it in the soil until it roots. The rooted branch can then be cut from the parent tree and transplanted. This method can be used to produce new apple trees quickly and efficiently. However, the resulting trees may not have the same characteristics as the parent tree, making it less reliable than grafting.

Growing apples from pips can be a fun and rewarding project for amateur gardeners and apple enthusiasts.

However, it may not be the best option for those looking to produce apples on a commercial scale. Ultimately, the decision to grow apples from pips depends on individual goals and preferences.

Alternatives such as grafting or purchasing a young tree may be more reliable options for those looking to produce apples for personal use or commercial production.