Unlock the Secret to Growing Cherry Trees: How to Grow Cherry Seeds Successfully

Growing your own cherry trees from seed might seem like a daunting task, but it’s a rewarding journey that can bring you years of delicious fruit. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, from seed selection to successful transplantation, empowering you to cultivate your own cherry orchard.

Choosing the Right Seeds

The first step in your cherry-growing adventure is selecting the right seeds. While you can purchase cherry seeds online or at garden centers, collecting them from fresh, ripe cherries is a fun and rewarding experience.

• Choose ripe cherries: Look for cherries that are plump, juicy, and have a deep color. Avoid any that are bruised or damaged.
• Extract the seeds: Carefully cut open the cherries and remove the seeds. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any pulp or residue.
• Dry the seeds: Spread the seeds out on a paper towel in a well-ventilated area and allow them to dry completely. This will prevent mold and ensure successful germination.

Preparing for Germination

Once you have your cherry seeds, it’s time to prepare them for germination. Cherries have a hard seed coat that can prevent them from sprouting, so you’ll need to give them a helping hand.

• Stratification: This process mimics the natural winter conditions that cherry seeds need to germinate. Place the seeds in a sealed plastic bag filled with moist vermiculite or peat moss and store them in the refrigerator for 60-90 days. This cold treatment breaks down the seed coat and encourages germination.
• Scarification: This method involves gently scratching or nicking the seed coat to help water penetrate and trigger germination. Use sandpaper or a sharp knife to carefully make a small scratch on the seed coat.

Sowing the Seeds

After stratification or scarification, you’re ready to sow your cherry seeds.

• Choose the right pot: Use small pots or seed trays filled with a well-draining seed-starting mix.
• Sow the seeds: Plant each seed about ¼ inch deep in the soil and space them a few inches apart.
• Water gently: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Use a watering can with a fine rose to avoid disturbing the seeds.
• Provide light: Place the pots in a bright location, but avoid direct sunlight. You can use a grow light to supplement natural light, especially during the winter months.

Caring for Your Seedlings

Once your cherry seedlings emerge, it’s crucial to provide them with the right care to ensure healthy growth.

• Thinning: If your seedlings are crowded, thin them out to give the strongest ones more space to develop.
• Watering: Water your seedlings regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilizing: Once your seedlings have a few sets of true leaves, you can start fertilizing them with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
• Hardening off: Before transplanting your seedlings outdoors, gradually acclimate them to the outside environment by exposing them to increasing periods of sunlight and wind.

Transplanting Your Cherry Trees

After a year or two, your cherry seedlings will be ready to be transplanted into their permanent location.

• Choose a sunny spot: Cherries thrive in full sun, so select a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Prepare the soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained and amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve its fertility.
• Dig a hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of your seedling.
• Plant the tree: Carefully place the seedling in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly.
• Staking: Provide support for your young tree by staking it to a sturdy post. This will help prevent it from swaying in the wind and ensure a straight trunk.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Once your cherry trees are established, they require regular care and maintenance to thrive.

• Watering: Water your trees deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Fertilizing: Fertilize your trees annually in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Pruning: Prune your trees in late winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased branches and encourage healthy growth.
• Pest and disease control: Monitor your trees for pests and diseases and take appropriate action to control them.

Harvesting Your Cherries

With proper care, your cherry trees will start producing fruit in a few years. Once the cherries are ripe, they will be plump, juicy, and have a deep color.

• Harvesting: Pick your cherries when they are fully ripe, but before they start to soften.
• Storage: Cherries can be stored in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for longer storage.

Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor

Growing your own cherry trees from seed is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy fresh, homegrown cherries every year. By following these steps, you can cultivate a beautiful and productive cherry orchard that will provide you with delicious fruit for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take for a cherry tree grown from seed to produce fruit?

A: It typically takes 4-7 years for a cherry tree grown from seed to produce fruit.

Q: Can I grow a cherry tree from a pit of a cherry I bought at the grocery store?

A: Yes, you can grow a cherry tree from a pit of a store-bought cherry. However, there is no guarantee that the resulting tree will produce fruit identical to the cherry you bought.

Q: What are the best cherry varieties for growing from seed?

A: Some cherry varieties that are well-suited for growing from seed include the Montmorency sour cherry, the Bing sweet cherry, and the Rainier cherry.

Q: What is the best time to plant cherry trees?

A: The best time to plant cherry trees is in the fall or early spring, when the soil is cool and moist.

Q: How do I know if my cherry tree is healthy?

A: A healthy cherry tree will have healthy, green leaves, a strong trunk, and a good amount of fruit production. If you notice any signs of disease or pests, take action to control them.