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Growing a cherry tree from seed is a rewarding journey for gardeners who love working closely with nature. While it takes patience, the process allows you to witness each stage of development, from a small pit to a thriving young tree. This guide walks you through every step, explaining how to prepare seeds, nurture seedlings, and eventually raise a healthy sapling. Whether you want cherries for their sweet fruit, beautiful blossoms, or shade in your garden, starting from seed gives you a personal connection to your plant.
Choosing the Right Cherry Variety
The first step is selecting the right type of cherry for your climate and purpose. Sweet cherries like Bing or Stella thrive in areas with mild winters, while sour cherries such as Montmorency are more tolerant of cooler conditions. If you are growing cherries for their blossoms rather than fruit, ornamental varieties like Yoshino or Kwanzan may be a better fit.
It is important to check whether your chosen variety needs a pollination partner. Some cherry trees are self-fertile, meaning they can produce fruit on their own, while others require another cherry tree nearby for cross-pollination.
Collecting and Preparing Cherry Seeds
You can start with seeds from store-bought cherries or freshly picked fruit from a local orchard. Once you have your cherries, carefully remove the pits and rinse them to get rid of any leftover fruit flesh. The next step is to allow the pits to dry for a few days before cracking the outer shell slightly to help moisture reach the inner seed. This must be done gently to avoid damaging the seed inside.
Cold Stratification Process
Cherry seeds need a period of cold dormancy before they will sprout. This process is called cold stratification and mimics the natural winter environment the seeds would experience outdoors. Place the cleaned seeds in a damp paper towel or mix them with slightly moist sand, then seal them in a plastic bag. Store the bag in your refrigerator, not the freezer, for about 10 to 12 weeks. During this time, check occasionally to ensure the seeds remain slightly moist but not wet.
Planting Cherry Seeds
Once the stratification period is complete, it is time to plant the seeds in small pots. Use a well-draining potting mix enriched with organic matter. Plant each seed about one inch deep and cover lightly with soil. Place the pots in a warm, bright area with indirect sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging, as excess water can cause the seeds to rot.
Germination can take several weeks to a few months, so patience is essential.
Caring for Seedlings
When the seeds sprout, provide them with plenty of light to encourage strong, healthy growth. If natural light is limited, you can use a grow light for several hours each day. Keep the seedlings in a spot where the temperature stays between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Water regularly, making sure the soil remains moist but not soggy. At this stage, you can start feeding your seedlings with a diluted liquid fertilizer every two weeks to promote steady development.
Transplanting to Larger Pots
As your cherry seedlings grow taller and develop more leaves, they will eventually need more space. When the seedlings reach six to eight inches in height, gently move them to larger pots to give their roots room to expand. Handle the seedlings carefully during transplanting, holding them by the base of the stem rather than pulling on the leaves.
Hardening Off Before Outdoor Planting
Before planting your young cherry trees outdoors, they need time to adjust to outdoor conditions. This process is called hardening off. Begin by placing the pots outside in a sheltered location for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their exposure to sun and wind over the course of one to two weeks. This step helps prevent shock when the plants are moved into the ground permanently.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Location
Cherry trees need a sunny spot with well-drained soil. They prefer at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production. Avoid planting in low areas where water can collect, as cherry trees dislike overly wet roots. If your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with compost and sand to improve drainage.
Planting the Sapling Outdoors
When your cherry sapling is strong enough and the weather is suitable, dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Position the sapling so the base of the trunk is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with a mixture of native soil and compost, gently firming it around the roots. Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and remove air pockets.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once your cherry tree is in the ground, proper care is key to its survival and growth. Water deeply during dry spells, especially in the first year while the roots are establishing. Mulch around the base with organic material such as wood chips or straw to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Pruning is another important task. Prune your young cherry tree in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove dead or crossing branches to shape the tree and encourage strong structure.
Protecting Against Pests and Diseases
Cherry trees can be susceptible to pests like aphids, caterpillars, and fruit flies, as well as diseases such as powdery mildew and cherry leaf spot. Inspect your tree regularly and act quickly if you notice problems. Organic pest control methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap can help keep pests in check. For fungal diseases, pruning for better air circulation and removing fallen leaves can reduce the risk.
Patience for Fruit Production
Growing cherries from seed requires patience because it can take several years before your tree produces fruit. In some cases, it may take five to seven years to see your first harvest. The wait is worth it, though, as the cherries will have a special meaning, knowing you nurtured the tree from its earliest stage.
Conclusion
Raising a cherry tree from seed to sapling is a fulfilling project that connects you with the cycles of nature. While it demands time and dedication, the results are beautiful, whether you are rewarded with blossoms, shade, or sweet cherries. With the right preparation, care, and patience, your cherry seed can grow into a thriving tree that stands in your garden for decades.