- Texas A&M University recommends buying a 1-year-old tree called a whip. These trees are about 2 to 3 feet high and have a trunk about ½-inch in diameter. According to Physorg, growers count the age of all apple trees from planting. Most purchased trees mature between 3 and 5 years, regardless of planting location.
- Apples also may be grown from seed but may not produce the same variety of apple as their parent. Apple seeds must overwinter, or be placed in the refrigerator to simulate overwintering, before they will germinate. If you successfully grow an apple tree, it should take about the same amount of time to mature as a purchased tree -- 3 to 5 years.
- It's possible to purchase apple trees that are 2 years old or older. These trees look sturdier but may not grow as well as a 1-year-old tree. A 2-year-old tree often lacks enough buds on its lower trunk to build a good framework of branches. An older tree also will not necessarily grow faster than a 1-year-old tree.
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