An apple tree is one of the most common fruits on earth and it’s life cycle is unique. The apple life cycle provides us with important insights into how this fruit is produced, from sprouting from the soil to delivery to the consumer’s table. Below we explore the stages of an apple tree’s life cycle in detail.
Seed Stage
The apple life cycle begins with a seed. The seed contains a part of the tree and the embryonic roots and food supply needed for the seedling to grow. Once planted and exposed to sunlight and water, the seed germinates and a small sprout emerges.
Sprouting Stage
The sprout continues to grow, pushing through the soil and developing deeper roots and triggers the production of primary buds in its upper branches. Once the buds blossom, two small leaves emerge, followed by the development of two larger leaves that make up the tree’s first set of leaves.
Flowering Stage
After the tree has fully developed its leaves and begun to grow in size, the next stage of its life cycle kicks in: the flowering stage. During this time, the tree produces a white or pink flower that attracts insects, especially bees, which then spread the pollen around and enable the tree to form its fruit.
Fruit Formation Stage
When the flower has been pollinated, the petals dry out and fall off. The former flower is then replaced by a fruit, which slowly starts to develop into what will eventually become an apple. The fruit begins to swell, as well as gain color, which is usually green with a hint of red.
Maturation Stage
At this point, the apple begins to gain its full size, shape, and color and starts to mature. During this stage of the apple’s life cycle, the apples are now ripe and ready to be harvested. The tree can also still produce new flowers and the cycle can start again.
Harvesting Stage
This is the final stage of the apple life cycle and involves harvesting the ripe apples, which can then be eaten or processed for other uses. After harvesting, the trees can either go dormant or start the life cycle again, depending on the climate and weather conditions.
Printable Activities
Bring the apple life cycle to life for kids with these fun and educational printable resources. Activities range from labeling an apple tree diagram to matching apples to different stages of the life cycle.
