Apple seedlings are small, propagated tree stems grafted onto a hardy root stock. Seedlings are ready to plant and grow in the home landscape once they have grown in a propagation environment for about one year. The seedlings grow into a producing apple tree six to 10 years after planting. Proper planting and care of apple trees at both the seedling stage and as the tree matures makes growing the trees a rewarding process.
Amend the planting area by digging a 2-foot-wide hole and mixing the removed soil with even parts organic compost. Apple trees prefer a nutrient-rich and well-draining soil in an area that receives full sunlight. Fill this soil around the tree seedling. There will be excess soil that can be used for other gardening projects.
Plant the apple tree seedling in a hole that is the same depth as the tree was previously growing and twice as wide. The graft point should be a minimum of 2 inches above the soil. Saturate the soil around the seedling with water to eliminate any air pockets around the root system.
Irrigate the seedling with 1 gallon of water two or three times a week to keep the soil evenly moist, but not saturated, during the summer growing season when there is no rain. Use a drip irrigation system to keep the water around the tree and prevent run-off.
Spread a 2-inch layer of organic mulch over the soil of the planting area, leaving a 6-inch gap between the seedling and the start of the mulch. Refresh the mulch each spring as it decomposes and absorbs into the soil. Increase the depth to 3 inches after two years of growth.
Apply a fruit tree 12-12-12 fertilizer (diluted to half the application rate listed on the package) on the soil over the root ball about one month after planting. Repeat the fertilizer application each spring at full strength.
Install a chicken wire fence or rodent guard around the seedling to protect the young tree from damage. Insert the fence or guard a minimum of 4 inches into the soil to stop burrowing rodents.
Your Planting Articles
Things You Will Need
- Organic compost
- Drip irrigation
- Organic mulch
- 12-12-12 fertilizer
- Rodent guard
- Grow apple tree seedlings in a protected environment for at least one year after propagation to give the root graft time to heal and strengthen before planting outdoors.
- Plant the tree seedlings in early spring the year after the stems were propagated.
- Make a drip watering system for the apple tree seedling by drilling a 1/4-inch-diameter hole into the bottom of a 5-gallon bucket. Set the bucket about 12 inches from the seedling and add water to let it slowly drip into the soil.
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