The process of cultivating an apple tree from its seed involves germinating the seed, nurturing the seedling, and eventually transplanting it into a suitable environment for growth. This propagation method differs significantly from grafting or purchasing established saplings. An example would be collecting seeds from a desired apple variety, stratifying them to break dormancy, and then planting them in a prepared seedbed.
Historically, raising fruit trees directly from seed was a common practice. While it offers the potential for unique cultivars and genetic diversity, it also introduces a degree of unpredictability. The resulting tree might not bear fruit identical to the parent and often requires a longer period to reach maturity and produce a harvest. The primary benefit lies in the potential for developing new and potentially improved apple varieties, as well as being a cost-effective propagation method for some individuals.
