Grow Cherries From Seed: A Complete Planting Guide

Growing your own cherry trees from seed can be a rewarding experience, though it requires patience and understanding. While commercial cherry growers rely on grafting to ensure consistent fruit quality, home gardeners can embark on this fascinating journey of nurturing a cherry tree from its very beginning. This guide dives deep into the process, offering insights and tips to help you succeed. So, guys, get ready to get your hands dirty and learn everything you need to know about planting cherry seeds!

Understanding the Challenge: Why Grafting is Preferred Commercially

Before we jump into the how-to, it's essential to understand why commercial cherry production favors grafting. Commercial cherries are grown from grafts because this method guarantees the desired fruit characteristics. Grafting involves joining a branch (scion) from a known cherry variety onto the rootstock of another cherry tree. This ensures that the new tree will produce fruit identical to the parent tree.

When you plant a cherry seed, you're essentially starting a new genetic combination. The resulting tree may not produce fruit that tastes the same as the cherry you got the seed from. In fact, there's a chance it could produce bitter or otherwise undesirable fruit. This is because cherry trees, like many fruit trees, are often hybrids. Their seeds contain a mix of genetic material, leading to unpredictable outcomes. However, for home growers, this element of surprise can be part of the fun! Growing from seed allows you to witness the full life cycle of a tree and potentially discover a unique cherry variety of your own. It's a project for those who enjoy the process as much as the potential reward of homegrown cherries. Plus, imagine the bragging rights you'll have when you can say you grew your cherry tree from a single seed!

Preparing Cherry Seeds for Planting: Stratification is Key

The first crucial step in growing cherry trees from seed is stratification. This process mimics the natural winter conditions that cherry seeds need to break dormancy and germinate. Cherry seeds have a hard outer coating and internal inhibitors that prevent them from sprouting immediately. Winter's cold and moisture gradually break down these barriers, preparing the seed for spring growth. To artificially replicate this, we use cold stratification.

Here's how to stratify your cherry seeds:

1. Collect your cherry pits: After enjoying some delicious cherries, save the pits. Clean them thoroughly, removing any remaining fruit pulp. This is important to prevent mold growth during stratification. You can soak the pits in water for a day or two to help loosen any stubborn pulp.
2. Dry the pits: Spread the cleaned pits on a paper towel and let them air dry for a few days. Make sure they are completely dry before moving on to the next step.
3. Crack the outer shell (optional but recommended): Cherry pits have a hard outer shell that can hinder germination. Gently cracking this shell can speed up the process. You can use a nutcracker or pliers, but be careful not to damage the seed inside. Some people prefer to skip this step, but it generally improves germination rates.
4. Prepare your stratification medium: You'll need a moist medium to keep the seeds hydrated during cold storage. Options include damp paper towels, peat moss, or a mixture of both. Make sure the medium is moist but not soggy, as excess water can lead to rot.
5. Place the seeds in the medium: Put the cracked (or uncracked) pits in a plastic bag or container filled with your chosen medium. Make sure the seeds are evenly distributed and have enough space around them.
6. Cold storage: Seal the bag or container and place it in your refrigerator. The ideal temperature for stratification is between 33°F and 41°F (0.5°C and 5°C). Store the seeds in the refrigerator for at least 90 to 120 days. This period of cold exposure is essential for breaking dormancy.
7. Check regularly: During stratification, check the seeds periodically to ensure the medium remains moist and there are no signs of mold. If the medium dries out, add a little water. If you see any mold, discard those seeds.

Planting Your Stratified Cherry Seeds: From Seed to Sapling

After the stratification period, your cherry seeds are ready for planting! This is where the real excitement begins, as you'll finally see if your efforts have paid off. Here's how to plant your stratified cherry seeds:

1. Choose your planting location: Cherry trees need plenty of sunlight – at least 6 hours per day – to thrive. They also prefer well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage. You can start your seeds in pots or directly in the ground, depending on your climate and preferences. If you live in an area with harsh winters, starting them in pots allows you to protect them during their first year.
2. Prepare the soil: Whether you're using pots or planting directly in the ground, make sure the soil is loose and free of weeds. Dig a small hole about 1-2 inches deep for each seed.
3. Plant the seeds: Place the stratified seeds in the holes and cover them with soil. Gently firm the soil around the seeds.
4. Water thoroughly: Water the planted seeds well, ensuring the soil is evenly moist. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to rot.
5. Provide consistent moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Check the soil moisture regularly and water when the top inch feels dry.
6. Patience is key: Germination can take several weeks or even months, so be patient. Don't give up if you don't see sprouts right away. Continue to water and care for the seeds, and eventually, you should see seedlings emerge.

Nurturing Your Cherry Seedlings: From Sapling to Tree

Once your cherry seedlings have emerged, it's time to focus on nurturing them into healthy saplings. This stage requires careful attention to their needs, ensuring they have the best possible start in life.

1. Sunlight: Cherry seedlings need plenty of sunlight to grow strong. If you started them indoors, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions before transplanting them to their permanent location. Place them in a sheltered spot with partial shade for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the amount of sunlight they receive.
2. Watering: Continue to water your seedlings regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Check the soil moisture regularly and water when the top inch feels dry.
3. Fertilizing: Cherry seedlings benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, diluted to half strength. Fertilize every few weeks during the growing season.
4. Pest and disease control: Keep an eye out for pests and diseases that can affect cherry trees. Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and cherry slugs. Common diseases include leaf spot and powdery mildew. Treat any problems promptly with appropriate organic or chemical controls. It's always a good idea to identify the pest or disease before applying any treatment.
5. Pruning: Pruning is essential for shaping your cherry tree and encouraging fruit production. In the first few years, focus on developing a strong central leader and well-spaced branches. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
6. Transplanting: If you started your seedlings in pots, you'll need to transplant them to their permanent location once they've grown large enough. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Dig a hole that's twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Gently remove the seedling from the pot and place it in the hole. Backfill with soil, firming it gently around the roots. Water thoroughly after transplanting.

The Waiting Game: Patience and Potential Rewards

Growing cherry trees from seed is a long-term project. It can take several years for your tree to mature and produce fruit. Be patient and enjoy the process of watching your tree grow. Remember that the fruit may not taste exactly like the cherry you got the seed from, but it could be something even more delicious! The satisfaction of growing your own cherries from seed is a reward in itself.

Conclusion: A Rewarding Journey for the Home Gardener

Planting cherry seeds is a rewarding project for any home gardener who enjoys a challenge. While it requires patience and dedication, the potential reward of homegrown cherries is well worth the effort. By following these steps and providing your seedlings with the care they need, you can successfully grow your own cherry trees from seed. So, go ahead, guys, give it a try! You might just discover a new favorite cherry variety and have a beautiful, fruit-bearing tree to enjoy for years to come. Remember, even if the fruit isn't perfect, the journey of growing it yourself is a fantastic experience. Happy gardening!