25 Annie Elizabeth Apple Seeds - Cold Hardy Heritage Cooking Apple

Annie Elizabeth is a traditional English cooking apple prized for its firm, tart flesh that holds its shape beautifully when baked. This heritage variety produces large, pale green to yellow apples with a sweet-tart flavor ideal for pies, sauces, and cider. The trees are known for their cold hardiness and reliable crops, making them a favorite in cooler climates and home orchards.

Growing apple trees from seed is a rewarding project for patient gardeners. These seeds offer the chance to cultivate a piece of history while enjoying the beauty of spring blossoms and the bounty of homegrown fruit.

Plant Features

• Heritage cooking apple variety
• Large, pale green to yellow fruit
• Firm, tart flesh that holds shape when cooked
• Cold hardy and suitable for cooler climates
• Attractive spring blossoms

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Malus domestica
• Plant Type: Deciduous fruit tree
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil moist but not waterlogged
• Growth Habit: Upright spreading tree
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
• Bloom Season: Spring
• Mature Height: 12-20 feet (depending on rootstock and growing conditions)
• Germination Requirements: Cold stratification recommended; sow in fall or stratify seeds for 6-8 weeks before planting
• Spacing: 15-20 feet apart

Planting & Care

To grow apple trees from seed, start by stratifying the seeds to mimic winter conditions. Place seeds in a moist paper towel inside a sealed bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. After stratification, sow seeds indoors in pots filled with a well-draining seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain a temperature around 70°F (21°C). Germination can take several weeks to months. Once seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions before transplanting to a sunny, sheltered spot in the garden.

Young apple trees require regular watering during their first few years to establish a strong root system. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune annually to shape the tree and remove dead or crossing branches. While trees grown from seed may take several years to bear fruit, the journey is a fulfilling gardening adventure.

What's Included

25 Annie Elizabeth Apple Seeds