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Rusty spots growing on my apple tree plant #875335

Asked June 30, 2024, 11:51 AM EDT

Hello, In January 2024, my 5yr old granddaughter wanted to plant an apple tree from seeds from her eaten apple. I let the seeds dry. Then I lightly sanded the seeds. I put the sprouts in a damp paper towel in an air tight tupperware container in the refrigerator for 3 months. In April I transferred the sprouts to small pots, then later to larger pots. We planted the two strongest plants in the backyard when the weather was right. The leaves are developing rusty spots that are spreading. It's killing one of the trees. I included photos of the healthier plant. I dont think I can save the other. I am in Golden Valley and the soil has been wet. No standing water. The soil usually drains well where the plants are but we have had a lot of rain so the soil is wetter than normal. Thank you

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Hi,

I applaud your effort and will to promote the hobby of gardening ! That's the good news, the bad is that apples don't grow true from seed. This means that the apple your granddaughter was eating will not be the apple trees those seedlings grow up to be. They will very likely be more like crab apples and probably not taste very good.

The rust on the leaves issue aside, I would go buy a couple different apple trees that can cross pollinate each other and sneakily plant those in place of the seedlings this fall or early next spring.

https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/faq/can-i-grow-apple-tree-seed

Keep growing,

Sally Granath

St. Louis County  MG

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 03, 2024, 5:11 PM EDT

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