GardenBanter.co.uk - View Single Post - Apple Tree From Seed in Mid-Atlantic

bobapple · 18-04-2010, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ann

John Bachman expounded:

Maybe, but it is most likely that you will not be happy with the
result.

Perhaps not.

Apples are grown on rootstock so that the rootstock
determines the growth habit of the tree and the variety is determined
by what is grafted to the root stock.

Somewhat true. The rootstock determines the size of the tree
heightwise.

When you plant the seeds you get the variety of apple on that trees
rootstock which may not be suitable at all.

This is so far wrong it's incredible.

Growing apples from seeds out of an apple you've eaten is definitely
just a fun experiment. You'll probably not get as good of an apple as
what you've eaten. Do it for fun, don't do it because you want to
start an orchard.

And definitely don't get your genetics lessons from John!
--
Ann, gardening in Zone 6a
South of Boston, Massachusetts
e-mail address is not checked
******************************

I inheritted an old apple tree 15-20 ft grown from seed from the previous owner and cut it down (due to small UK garden and space shortage) and left the old stump in intending to pour stump killer down holes I had drilled. My young daughter (18) was upset over me cutting it down as it was her favourite and some time later new growth started at the base and I left it. It has now re-grown to a tree about 8-10 ft and the old stump has almost completely rotted away. Will it ever recover fully and re-produce apples. I have not cut it down again out of a respect for its determination to survive but if it is completely useless and will never flower/produce fruit it will have to go. (Daughter is now 30). Any advice.