Grow Cherries From Seed: A Gardener's Guide

Hey there, fellow gardening enthusiasts! Ever wondered how to grow your own cherry tree from seed? It's a rewarding, albeit patient, process. While commercial growers often use grafts to ensure consistent fruit quality, planting cherry seeds is a fun project for home gardeners who are up for a little adventure. Let's dive into the world of cherry seed planting and learn how to cultivate your own little cherry orchard!

Why Grow Cherries from Seed?

Okay, so you might be thinking, “Why bother with seeds when I can just buy a tree?” That’s a fair question! Growing cherries from seed isn't the quickest or most predictable route to a bowlful of juicy cherries. Commercial cherry production relies heavily on grafting, a technique where a desirable cherry variety (the scion) is joined to a sturdy rootstock. This ensures that the tree produces fruit that is true to type – meaning you get the exact same delicious cherries you expect. Grafting also helps control the tree's size and disease resistance.

However, planting cherry seeds offers a unique set of advantages, especially for the home gardener:

• The Thrill of the Unknown: When you plant a cherry seed, you're embarking on a bit of a genetic lottery. The resulting tree might produce fruit that's similar to the parent cherry, or it might have its own unique characteristics. This element of surprise can be pretty exciting!
• Cost-Effective: Buying established cherry trees can be a significant investment. Starting from seed is a much more budget-friendly way to grow cherries, especially if you already have access to cherry pits.
• A Deeper Connection to Nature: There's something incredibly satisfying about nurturing a tree from its very beginning. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the cherry tree's life cycle and a greater appreciation for the natural world.
• Rootstock Potential: Even if the fruit isn't exactly what you hoped for, a seed-grown cherry tree can serve as excellent rootstock for grafting. If you later decide you want a specific cherry variety, you can graft it onto your established seedling.
• It's a Fun Project! Let's be honest, gardening is a hobby, and hobbies are supposed to be fun! Growing cherry trees from seed is a great project for anyone who loves a challenge and enjoys watching things grow.

Understanding the Challenges: The Potential for Bitter Fruit

Now, before we get too carried away with visions of cherry pies and jams, it's important to acknowledge the potential downsides. One of the biggest concerns when growing cherries from seed is the possibility of ending up with bitter fruit. This is because many cherry varieties are hybrids, meaning they have a mix of genes from different parent trees. When you plant a seed from a hybrid cherry, you're essentially shuffling the genetic deck, and there's a chance you'll get a combination that results in less-than-palatable fruit.

Sweet cherry varieties, in particular, are known for not breeding true from seed. This means that a seed from a delicious Bing cherry, for example, might not produce a tree that bears Bing cherries. It could produce cherries that are smaller, tarter, or even bitter.

Sour cherries, on the other hand, have a slightly higher chance of producing fruit that's similar to the parent tree. However, even with sour cherries, there's no guarantee of getting the exact same flavor profile.

So, what does this mean for the home gardener? It means that growing cherries from seed is a bit of a gamble. You might end up with a fantastic tree that produces delicious fruit, or you might end up with a tree that's better suited for wildlife than for your kitchen. But hey, that's part of the adventure!

Getting Started: Preparing Your Cherry Seeds

Okay, you're still with me! That's great! Let's get down to the nitty-gritty of how to actually plant those cherry seeds. The first step is preparing your seeds for germination. This involves a process called stratification, which mimics the natural winter conditions that cherry seeds need to break dormancy.

Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing your cherry seeds:

1. Collect Your Cherry Pits: After enjoying some delicious cherries (sweet or sour, it's up to you!), save the pits. Remove any remaining flesh from the pits and wash them thoroughly. This is crucial to prevent mold and fungal growth during stratification.
2. Dry the Pits: Spread the clean pits out on a paper towel and let them air dry for a few days. This will help prevent them from rotting during the cold stratification process.
3. Crack the Outer Shell (Optional but Recommended): Cherry pits have a hard outer shell that can make it difficult for the seed to germinate. Gently cracking the shell can help speed up the process. You can do this by using a nutcracker or gently tapping the pit with a hammer. Be careful not to damage the seed inside!
4. Stratify the Seeds: This is the most important step! Place the pits in a container filled with moist (but not soggy) peat moss, vermiculite, or sand. A plastic bag or a sealed container works well. Store the container in your refrigerator (not the freezer!) for at least 10 weeks, but preferably 12-16 weeks. The ideal temperature is between 33°F and 41°F (0.5°C and 5°C). This cold, moist period is essential for breaking the seed's dormancy.
5. Check for Mold: During stratification, check the seeds periodically for any signs of mold or fungal growth. If you see any, remove the affected seeds to prevent the problem from spreading.

Planting Your Cherry Seeds: From Pot to Ground

After the stratification period, your cherry seeds are ready to be planted! You have two main options: starting them in pots or planting them directly in the ground.

Starting Seeds in Pots:

This method gives you more control over the growing environment and allows you to nurture the seedlings before transplanting them to their permanent location.

1. Choose Your Pots: Select pots that are at least 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. Make sure they have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
2. Use a Good Potting Mix: Fill the pots with a high-quality potting mix that's well-draining. Avoid using garden soil, as it can be too heavy and may contain pests or diseases.
3. Plant the Seeds: Plant the stratified seeds about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep in the potting mix. Place one or two seeds in each pot.
4. Water Gently: Water the pots gently to moisten the soil. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to rot.
5. Provide Sunlight: Place the pots in a sunny location, such as a windowsill or a greenhouse. Cherry seedlings need plenty of light to grow.
6. Keep the Soil Moist: Water the seedlings regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
7. Transplant (If Necessary): Once the seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves and are large enough to handle, you can transplant them into larger pots or directly into the ground.

Planting Seeds Directly in the Ground:

This method is less work upfront, but it also means the seedlings will be more vulnerable to the elements and pests.

1. Choose a Location: Select a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Cherry trees need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
2. Prepare the Soil: Dig a hole that's about twice as wide and as deep as the seed. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
3. Plant the Seeds: Plant the stratified seeds about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep in the soil. Space the seeds several inches apart.
4. Water Gently: Water the soil gently to moisten it.
5. Protect from Pests: Protect the seedlings from pests, such as rodents and birds, by using netting or other barriers.
6. Keep the Soil Moist: Water the seedlings regularly, especially during dry periods.

Caring for Your Cherry Seedlings: Nurturing Your Future Tree

Whether you started your seeds in pots or directly in the ground, caring for your cherry seedlings is essential for their survival and growth. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

• Watering: Cherry seedlings need consistent moisture, especially during their first year. Water them regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
• Fertilizing: Fertilize your seedlings in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging.
• Weeding: Keep the area around your seedlings free of weeds. Weeds compete with the seedlings for water and nutrients.
• Pest and Disease Control: Monitor your seedlings for pests and diseases. Take action promptly if you notice any problems. Common cherry tree pests include aphids, cherry slugs, and borers. Common diseases include leaf spot and powdery mildew.
• Pruning: Prune your seedlings in the late winter or early spring to shape them and remove any dead or damaged branches. Proper pruning is essential for developing a strong, healthy tree.
• Protection from the Elements: Protect your young trees from harsh weather conditions, such as strong winds and extreme temperatures. You may need to stake the trees for support or wrap the trunks with burlap to protect them from sunscald.

The Long Wait: Patience is a Virtue

Growing cherry trees from seed is a long-term project. It can take several years for a seed-grown cherry tree to mature and produce fruit. You'll need to be patient and persistent in your care. But trust me, the reward of harvesting your own homegrown cherries will be well worth the wait!

Grafting: A Way to Speed Things Up (and Ensure Delicious Fruit)

As we discussed earlier, there's a chance that your seed-grown cherry tree might not produce the most delectable fruit. If you want to ensure that you get a specific variety of cherry, or if you want to speed up the fruiting process, you can consider grafting.

Grafting involves joining a scion (a cutting from a desired cherry variety) to the rootstock of your seed-grown tree. The scion will determine the type of fruit the tree produces, while the rootstock will provide the tree with its root system and influence its size and vigor.

Grafting is a bit of an art, but it's a technique that home gardeners can learn. There are many resources available online and in libraries that can teach you the basics of grafting. If you're interested in grafting, it's best to wait until your seed-grown tree is at least a few years old and has a well-established root system.

Enjoying the Journey: The Joys of Growing Your Own Cherries

Growing cherry trees from seed is a journey filled with challenges and rewards. It requires patience, dedication, and a bit of luck. But the satisfaction of nurturing a tree from a tiny seed into a fruit-bearing beauty is unmatched.

Even if your seed-grown cherry tree doesn't produce the perfect cherries, you'll still have gained valuable gardening experience and a deeper connection to the natural world. And who knows, you might just end up with a unique cherry variety that's all your own!

So, grab some cherry pits, get your hands dirty, and embark on this exciting gardening adventure. You might just surprise yourself with what you can grow!