Question
Hi Tom,
I read your answer to Donna concerning this very question, but somehow my
daughter has managed to skip the cold period and has ended up with a
germinating seedling that now rests in a plastic cup with a moist paper towel
on a sunny window sill. It has shed the seed pod and now there is a thin
green tendril extending from it. Can we now buy a small pot and put the seed
in there with some soil? Does it matter which way up it is when we plant it?
So many questions, so little time. By the way, perhaps we didn't need to cold
spell the seed 'cause we live in Louisiana, where cold spells are when the
temp dips to 60 rather than 110 degrees.
Thanks in advance.
Keith

Answer
Hi Keith,
Thanx for your question.  In the world of nature there are always anomalies.  There are also a few varieties of apples that will grow well in warmer climates.  Prepare a medium sized pot with some good potting soil and gently lay the emerging seedling on its side.  Gently cover it with a thin layer of soil.  Keep the soil moist but not soggy and make sure the pot drains well.  The plant needs lots of light.  If the temperature outside is going to get below 40 degrees, I would bring the seedling indoors.  I used to live in NW Florida, so, I know it can get down to 40 and below in the dead of winter.  The seedling may not be strong enough to survive temperatures colder than 40 degrees its first year.  Or just keep the seedling indoors until next spring and then, you'll want to plant it in the ground for best results, in full sun.  I hope this helps.
Tom