Grow Cherries From Seed: A Simple Guide

Hey there, green thumbs! Ever dreamt of having your own cherry tree, bursting with juicy, red fruit? While commercial growers typically use grafting to ensure consistent fruit quality, planting cherry seeds can be a fun and rewarding project for home gardeners like us. It's a bit of a gamble, as the fruit might turn out bitter, but hey, that's part of the adventure! This guide will walk you through the process of planting cherry seeds, from prepping the pits to nurturing your young sapling. So, let's get our hands dirty and learn how to grow cherry trees from seed!

Why Grow Cherries from Seed?

You might be wondering, with the possibility of bitter fruit, why even bother growing cherries from seed? Well, there are a few compelling reasons. First off, it's a fantastic way to connect with nature and experience the full life cycle of a tree. From tiny seed to towering tree, you'll witness the magic of growth firsthand. Plus, it's a super budget-friendly way to expand your garden! You're essentially using 'waste' material – the pits from cherries you've already enjoyed – to create new life. Talk about sustainable gardening! And who knows, you might just end up with a unique cherry variety that's perfectly suited to your local climate. It's like a genetic lottery – exciting, right?

However, let's be real, growing cherries from seed isn't without its challenges. As mentioned earlier, the fruit might not be exactly what you expect. Cherry trees grown from seed are unlikely to produce fruit identical to the parent tree. This is because cherries, like many fruit trees, are often hybrids. The seeds carry a mix of genetic information, and the resulting fruit could be sweeter, more tart, or even bitter. This genetic variation is what makes seed-grown cherries so unpredictable, but also so interesting!

For commercial growers, consistency is key. They need to guarantee a specific flavor and size of cherry for their customers, which is why grafting is the preferred method. Grafting involves joining a branch (scion) from a known, desirable cherry variety onto the rootstock of another cherry tree. This ensures that the new tree will produce fruit identical to the scion. But for us home growers, the element of surprise can be part of the fun. It's like a gardening experiment where we get to be the scientists!

Embracing the Challenge and the Potential Rewards

So, while there's a chance your seed-grown cherry tree might yield less-than-perfect fruit, there's also the possibility of discovering a hidden gem – a cherry variety that's uniquely yours and perfectly adapted to your garden. And even if the fruit isn't the sweetest, the tree itself will still be a beautiful addition to your landscape, providing shade, blossoms, and habitat for wildlife. Growing cherries from seed is a long-term commitment, but the journey itself can be incredibly rewarding.

Getting Started: Preparing Your Cherry Seeds

Okay, so you're ready to take the plunge and grow your own cherry tree from seed? Awesome! The first step is preparing the cherry pits for planting. This involves a process called stratification, which mimics the natural winter conditions that cherry seeds need to break dormancy and germinate. Think of it as giving the seeds a little 'wake-up call' after their long slumber.

1. Collecting and Cleaning the Pits

First things first, you'll need to collect some cherry pits. You can use pits from fresh cherries you've eaten, or even from cherries you've purchased specifically for this purpose. Make sure the cherries are ripe and healthy. Once you've enjoyed the delicious fruit, don't toss those pits! Give them a good rinse under running water to remove any lingering flesh. This is important because any remaining fruit pulp can attract mold and other unwanted critters during the stratification process.

After rinsing, spread the pits out on a paper towel and let them air dry completely. This might take a few days, so be patient. Once they're dry, you can store them in an airtight container until you're ready to start the stratification process. I like to use a small plastic container with a lid, but a glass jar works just as well.

2. The Stratification Process: Mimicking Winter's Chill

Stratification is the key to successful cherry seed germination. It essentially tricks the seeds into thinking they've been through a winter, which is what they need to sprout in the spring. The process involves exposing the seeds to cold, moist conditions for a period of several months. Don't worry, it's not as complicated as it sounds!

There are a couple of different methods you can use for stratification, but the most common and effective is the refrigerator method. Here's how it works:

• Gather your supplies: You'll need a container with a lid (like a plastic bag or a storage container), some moist (but not soggy!) paper towels or peat moss, and of course, your dry cherry pits.
• Moisten your medium: Dampen the paper towels or peat moss with water, then squeeze out any excess. You want it to be moist, not dripping wet. If you're using peat moss, make sure it's thoroughly hydrated.
• Layer the pits and medium: Place a layer of the moist paper towels or peat moss in the bottom of your container. Then, spread a layer of cherry pits on top, making sure they're not touching each other. Cover the pits with another layer of the moist medium, and repeat the process until all the pits are nestled in their chilly cocoon.
• Seal the container: Close the lid tightly or seal the plastic bag to prevent the medium from drying out.
• Chill out in the fridge: Place the container in your refrigerator, ideally in a crisper drawer or other area where the temperature is consistently between 33°F and 41°F (0.5°C and 5°C). This is the sweet spot for stratification. If you don't have a crisper drawer, just find a spot in the fridge that's not too close to the freezer.

3. Patience is a Virtue: The Waiting Game

Now comes the hardest part – waiting! Cherry seeds typically need to be stratified for about 90 to 120 days. That's roughly three to four months. It might seem like a long time, but trust me, it's worth it. During this time, the cold temperatures will break down the seed's protective coating and trigger the germination process.

While the pits are chilling in the fridge, it's a good idea to check on them every few weeks. Make sure the medium is still moist and that there's no sign of mold or fungus. If the medium seems dry, lightly mist it with water. If you spot any mold, remove the affected pits immediately and replace the medium.

Planting Your Stratified Cherry Seeds

After the stratification period, your cherry seeds should be ready to plant! You might even see some of them starting to sprout in the refrigerator – that's a great sign! Now it's time to give them a proper home where they can grow into healthy cherry trees.

1. Choosing the Right Planting Location

Cherry trees need plenty of sunshine, so pick a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They also prefer well-drained soil, so avoid areas that tend to stay soggy after rain. Before planting, it's a good idea to amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Cherry trees thrive in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Consider the mature size of the cherry tree when choosing a location. Cherry trees can grow quite large, so make sure they have enough space to spread out. You'll also want to think about pollination. Most sweet cherry varieties need to be cross-pollinated with another cherry variety to produce fruit. If you're planting sweet cherries, you'll need to plant at least two different varieties close to each other.

2. Planting in Pots or Directly in the Ground

You have two options for planting your stratified cherry seeds: you can start them in pots or plant them directly in the ground. Starting them in pots gives you more control over their environment and allows you to protect them from harsh weather and pests. However, planting them directly in the ground eliminates the need for transplanting, which can sometimes stress young seedlings.

Planting in Pots:

• Choose the right pots: Select pots that are at least 6 inches in diameter and have drainage holes at the bottom. This will give the seedlings plenty of room to grow and prevent waterlogging.
• Use a good quality potting mix: Fill the pots with a well-draining potting mix. You can also add some compost or other organic matter to boost the soil's fertility.
• Plant the seeds: Make a small hole in the center of the pot, about 1 inch deep. Place the cherry seed in the hole and cover it with soil. Gently pat the soil down to ensure good contact with the seed.
• Water gently: Water the pots gently, making sure to moisten the soil without overwatering. You want the soil to be damp, but not soggy.
• Provide light and warmth: Place the pots in a sunny location or under grow lights. Cherry seeds need warmth and light to germinate. The ideal temperature for germination is around 70°F (21°C).

Planting Directly in the Ground:

• Prepare the soil: Dig a hole that's about twice as wide and as deep as the cherry seed. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
• Plant the seeds: Place the cherry seed in the hole, about 1 inch deep. Cover it with soil and gently pat it down.
• Water thoroughly: Water the planting area thoroughly, making sure to moisten the soil deeply.
• Protect from pests: If you're concerned about pests, you can cover the planting area with a wire mesh or netting to protect the seeds from being eaten.

3. Caring for Your Cherry Seedlings

Once you've planted your cherry seeds, it's important to provide them with the care they need to grow into healthy seedlings. This includes watering, fertilizing, and protecting them from pests and diseases.

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
• Fertilizing: Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, you can start fertilizing them with a balanced fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can damage the seedlings.
• Weeding: Keep the planting area free of weeds, as weeds can compete with the seedlings for water and nutrients.
• Pest and disease control: Monitor your seedlings regularly for signs of pests or diseases. If you spot any problems, take action quickly to prevent them from spreading. There are many organic and non-organic options for pest and disease control, so choose the method that's best for you.

The Long Game: Patience and Nurturing

Growing cherry trees from seed is a marathon, not a sprint. It can take several years for your seedlings to mature and start producing fruit. But with patience and proper care, you'll be rewarded with your very own cherry tree – a testament to your gardening skills and a beautiful addition to your landscape.

1. Transplanting and Ongoing Care

If you started your cherry seeds in pots, you'll eventually need to transplant them into larger pots or into the ground. This is typically done in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild. When transplanting, be careful not to damage the roots. Dig a hole that's large enough to accommodate the root ball, and gently loosen the roots before placing the seedling in the hole. Water thoroughly after transplanting.

Continue to provide your cherry tree with regular care, including watering, fertilizing, and pruning. Pruning is important for shaping the tree and promoting fruit production. You'll also need to protect your tree from pests and diseases.

2. The Waiting Game: Years to Fruition

As mentioned earlier, it can take several years for a cherry tree grown from seed to start producing fruit. Sweet cherry trees typically take 4 to 7 years to bear fruit, while sour cherry trees may take 3 to 5 years. During this time, it's important to be patient and continue to provide your tree with the care it needs.

3. The Potential for Bitter Fruit and Grafting Options

Remember, there's a chance that your seed-grown cherry tree might produce fruit that's bitter or not as flavorful as you'd like. If this happens, don't despair! You have a couple of options. You can either learn to love the unique flavor of your cherries (they might be great for pies or jams!), or you can graft a branch from a known, desirable cherry variety onto your tree. Grafting is a great way to improve the fruit quality of your tree without having to start all over again.

Final Thoughts: The Sweet Reward of Growing Your Own

Growing cherry trees from seed is a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience. It's a journey that requires patience, dedication, and a little bit of luck. But the feeling of harvesting your own cherries, knowing that you nurtured them from tiny seeds, is simply unmatched. So, go ahead, give it a try! You might just surprise yourself with what you can grow. And hey, even if the fruit isn't perfect, you'll still have a beautiful tree to enjoy for years to come. Happy gardening, guys!