Growing a cherry tree from seeds can be a rewarding yet challenging process for any gardener. While it takes patience and careful attention, the fruits of your labor will be worth it. Cherry trees are a beautiful and valuable addition to any garden, providing lush green foliage, fragrant blossoms in spring, and, of course, delicious cherries in summer. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, growing cherries from seeds is a process that can be done with a few simple steps, from selecting the right seeds to ensuring they thrive in your garden.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of growing cherry trees from seeds, including how to select the best seeds, cold stratification techniques, planting, and ongoing care. If you’re ready to grow your own cherry tree and enjoy the beauty and bounty it brings, read on.
1. Selecting the Right Seeds for Your Cherry Tree
The first step in growing a cherry tree from seed is to choose the right seeds. When selecting cherries, it’s important to choose fresh, ripe fruit from a variety suited to your climate. While there are many different types of cherries, such as sweet cherries (Prunus avium) and tart cherries (Prunus cerasus), each variety will have different growing requirements.
- Choose Healthy, Ripe Fruit: Select cherries that are fresh and free from damage. The seeds from overripe or damaged fruit may not germinate properly.
- Consider Your Climate: Some cherry varieties are more cold-tolerant than others. If you live in a region with cold winters, choose a variety known to thrive in colder climates.
- Source of Seeds: You can obtain cherry seeds from fruits you buy at the store, or from a local orchard. If you use fruit from a store, be mindful that hybrid varieties may not yield fruit identical to the parent tree. If you want consistency, consider getting seeds from a reputable nursery.
2. Extracting and Cleaning the Seeds
Once you’ve selected the perfect cherries, it’s time to extract the seeds. This is a delicate step, so it’s important to be gentle to avoid damaging the seeds.
- Remove the Seeds: Cut the cherries open and remove the pits (seeds). You can do this by gently prying them out with your fingers or a small tool like a spoon or knife.
- Clean the Seeds: After removing the seeds, clean them thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining fruit pulp. It’s important to wash off the fruit flesh to prevent mold or fungal growth during the germination process.
- Dry the Seeds: Lay the seeds out on a clean paper towel or cloth and let them dry for a day or two. This will help remove any moisture that could encourage mold growth before you start the cold stratification process.
3. Cold Stratification: Mimicking Winter Conditions
Cold stratification is a crucial step in the process of germinating cherry seeds. Cherry trees require a period of cold dormancy in order to break seed dormancy and trigger the germination process. Stratification simulates the cold winter temperatures that cherry seeds need to sprout.
- Prepare the Stratification Mix: Place the dried cherry seeds into a small, breathable plastic bag. Add a small amount of moist sand or peat moss to the bag to create a humid environment for the seeds. You want the medium to be moist but not soaking wet. The bag should allow air circulation but retain enough moisture to mimic winter conditions.
- Refrigerate the Seeds: Store the bag of seeds and sand/peat moss mix in the refrigerator for about 6-12 weeks. During this period, the cold temperatures will help break down the seed’s natural dormancy. It’s essential that the seeds remain in the fridge for the full 6 to 12 weeks to ensure the best chance of successful germination.
- Monitor the Seeds: Every week or so, check the seeds to ensure the soil is moist but not overly wet. If the medium looks dry, add a small amount of water. Avoid allowing the seeds to dry out during the stratification period.
4. Planting Your Cherry Seeds
After the cold stratification period, your cherry seeds will be ready for planting. It’s important to choose the right container and soil to give your seeds the best start.
- Choose the Right Container: Use a small pot or container with drainage holes. Cherry trees need good drainage to avoid root rot, so ensure that your container allows excess water to escape.
- Use Well-Draining Soil: Plant your cherry seeds in well-drained soil, such as a mix of potting soil and perlite. The soil should be loose enough to allow the seeds to sprout and the roots to spread.
- Plant the Seeds: After the stratification period, take the seeds out of the fridge and plant them in the soil. Make a small hole about 2-3 cm deep in the soil and place the seed inside. Cover the seed with soil and gently press down to ensure good soil-to-seed contact.
- Watering: After planting, water the soil gently. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soaking wet. You can check the moisture level by sticking your finger into the soil – if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
5. Providing the Right Environment for Germination
After planting your cherry seeds, it’s essential to provide them with the ideal conditions to encourage germination.
- Warmth and Light: Cherry seeds need warmth and sunlight to germinate. Place the pot in a location that receives at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight per day. A windowsill or under grow lights can be ideal for seedling growth.
- Maintain Temperature: Cherry seeds prefer temperatures between 18-24°C (65-75°F) for optimal germination. Avoid placing them in too hot or too cold a location.
- Patience is Key: Cherry seeds can take a few weeks to months to germinate, depending on the conditions. Be patient and keep the soil consistently moist. If after several months, your seeds haven’t germinated, they may not have gone through enough cold stratification, or the seed may not be viable.
6. Caring for Your Cherry Seedlings
Once your cherry seeds have germinated and you see tiny green shoots sprouting from the soil, it’s time to begin caring for your seedlings.
- Ensure Adequate Sunlight: As your seedlings grow, ensure they continue to receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. If growing indoors, consider moving them to a brighter location or using artificial grow lights.
- Water Regularly: Keep the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Water the seedlings when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch.
- Fertilizing: When your seedlings are a few months old, you can begin fertilizing them with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support healthy growth. Use a fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK).
- Transplanting: Once the seedlings have grown to about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) in height and have developed strong roots, you can transplant them into larger containers or directly into the garden if the weather allows. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil, and space your cherry trees about 2-3 meters apart for optimal growth.
7. Ongoing Care for a Thriving Cherry Tree
As your cherry trees grow, continue to care for them by ensuring they have sufficient sunlight, water, and nutrients. It may take several years before your cherry tree begins to bear fruit, but with proper care, you will eventually enjoy the rewards of your efforts.
- Pruning: Once your cherry tree is established, prune it annually to remove dead or damaged branches and promote healthy growth.
- Pest and Disease Control: Keep an eye out for common pests, such as aphids, or fungal diseases, such as cherry leaf spot. Treat any issues promptly with natural pest control methods to keep your tree healthy.
Conclusion
Growing cherry trees from seeds may require patience and attention to detail, but it’s a gratifying process that can result in a thriving tree in your garden. By following the steps of selecting the right seeds, cold stratification, planting, and providing proper care, you’ll be well on your way to nurturing a cherry tree from seed to fruit-bearing tree. With a little time, care, and dedication, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty and delicious cherries of your very own cherry tree. Happy gardening!