Growing fruit trees from seeds is one of the most rewarding gardening experiences, offering the opportunity to nurture something from scratch and eventually enjoy the fruits of your labor. Among the many fruit trees you can grow, the cherry tree stands out as a beautiful, delicious, and relatively easy option for aspiring gardeners. While it’s more common to buy a mature cherry tree, growing a cherry potted tree from seed can be a fulfilling and educational process. This article will guide you step by step on how to grow a cherry tree from seed in a pot, helping you create your very own cherry tree to enjoy for years to come.
The Basics of Growing Cherry Trees
Before we dive into the specifics of growing a cherry potted tree from seed, it’s essential to understand a few key points about cherry trees. Cherries are classified into two main categories: sweet cherries and sour cherries. Sweet cherries are typically eaten fresh, while sour cherries are often used for cooking and baking. Both types can be grown from seed, but sour cherries are generally easier to grow in a home garden.
Growing a cherry tree from seed is a slow process. It may take several years before the tree produces fruit, but the wait can be worth it. Additionally, cherry trees grown from seed may not produce fruit identical to the parent tree, especially if the seed is from a hybrid variety. However, you can still enjoy the tree for its beauty and the satisfaction of having grown it from scratch.
Step 1: Collecting the Seeds
The first step in growing a cherry tree from seed is to collect the seeds. You can obtain cherry seeds by purchasing fresh cherries from the store or harvesting them from a tree. To collect the seeds from fresh cherries, carefully pit the fruit. Be sure to clean the seed thoroughly, removing any leftover fruit residue. Afterward, dry the seed on a paper towel.
It’s essential to use fresh seeds for the best chances of success. The seeds should be from ripe cherries to ensure they have the necessary nutrients for germination.
Step 2: Stratification – Cold Treatment for Germination
Cherries require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy and trigger germination. In nature, this cold period is experienced during the winter months. You’ll need to mimic this process for the seed to germinate successfully. This process can take up to three months.
Here’s how to stratify your cherry seed:
- Wrap the Seed: Place the cleaned cherry seed in a damp paper towel.
- Bag the Seed: Place the paper towel with the seed inside a plastic zip-lock bag. Ensure that there is no excess water in the bag, as it could cause the seed to rot.
- Refrigerate: Store the bag in the refrigerator for 2-3 months. The cold temperature will stimulate the seed to begin the process of breaking dormancy.
It’s important to check the seed periodically. If the paper towel becomes too dry, lightly mist it with water to maintain the appropriate moisture level. Avoid soaking the towel, as this can cause the seed to rot.
Step 3: Preparing the Pot and Soil
Once your cherry seed has gone through the cold stratification process, it’s time to prepare a pot for planting. Cherry trees have deep roots, so a pot that’s at least 8–10 inches deep is ideal. The pot should also have drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating and potentially drowning the seedling.
For the soil, it’s best to use a well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix. A mixture designed for fruit trees or a standard indoor potting soil will work well. You can also amend the soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage.
Before planting the seed, ensure the pot is clean and has sufficient drainage. You can cover the drainage holes with small rocks or mesh to prevent the soil from spilling out.
Step 4: Planting the Seed
Now that your seed has been stratified and the pot is ready, it’s time to plant. Follow these steps for planting your cherry seed:
- Create a Hole: Use your finger or a stick to create a small hole in the center of the pot. The hole should be about 1–2 inches deep.
- Place the Seed: Carefully place the stratified cherry seed in the hole, with the pointed end facing down. If you have multiple seeds, plant them 2-3 inches apart to give each seedling room to grow.
- Cover the Seed: Gently cover the seed with soil, ensuring it is completely buried. Pat the soil lightly to eliminate air pockets.
- Water: Water the seed lightly to moisten the soil. Be careful not to overwater, as too much moisture can lead to rot.
Step 5: Providing the Right Growing Conditions
Once your cherry seed is planted, it needs the right conditions to sprout. Here’s how to ensure it grows successfully:
- Location: Place the pot in a location that receives full sunlight. Cherry trees love sunlight, and the more sun your plant receives, the better it will grow.
- Temperature: Cherry seeds typically need a warm environment to germinate. A temperature range of 70–85°F (21–29°C) is ideal. If it’s too cold, the seed won’t germinate, and if it’s too hot, it could dry out.
- Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Over-watering can lead to rot, while underwatering can dry out the seed. Water when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch.
Step 6: Germination and Growing the Seedling
With proper care, your cherry seed should begin to germinate within 2–4 weeks. The first sign of life will be the appearance of tiny green shoots poking through the soil. At this point, it’s crucial to continue providing ample sunlight, warmth, and moisture.
As the seedling grows, you’ll notice its leaves will begin to develop. Cherry trees are relatively slow-growing, so don’t expect rapid growth. Be patient, and let the seedling develop at its own pace.
Step 7: Transplanting the Seedling
Once your cherry seedling has grown large enough and developed several sets of leaves (usually after a year or two), it will be ready to transplant into a larger pot or outdoors (if your climate allows). Before transplanting, ensure the tree is strong enough to withstand the move. If you plan to keep it in a pot, make sure the new pot is significantly larger, providing enough room for the roots to expand.
If you live in a region where the climate is suitable for cherry trees, you may transplant it outdoors into your garden. Choose a location with full sunlight and well-draining soil. Ensure the tree is far enough from other plants to allow it to grow freely.
Step 8: Caring for Your Cherry Tree
After transplanting your cherry tree, continue to care for it by following these essential tips:
- Watering: Cherry trees need a lot of water during their early years. Water them regularly, especially during dry periods, but be sure not to overwater.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer for fruit trees to encourage healthy growth. Apply it in the spring when new growth begins and again in early summer.
- Pruning: Cherry trees may need occasional pruning to remove dead or diseased branches and to shape the tree. Prune in late winter or early spring before the tree begins to grow.
- Pest and Disease Management: Monitor your tree for signs of pests or diseases. Aphids, scale, and fungal diseases can affect cherry trees. Treat them promptly to keep your tree healthy.
Conclusion
Growing a cherry potted tree from seed is a long-term but rewarding gardening project. With the right care, patience, and attention, you’ll eventually see the fruits of your labor – literally. Though it may take several years for the tree to mature and bear fruit, the experience of growing a cherry tree from seed is one that will bring satisfaction, beauty, and possibly delicious cherries to your home. Happy gardening!