What To Know
- Growing cherry trees from seeds is a rewarding experience that allows you to nurture a fruit-bearing tree in the comfort of your home.
- Take the seeds out of the refrigerator and allow them to warm up to room temperature for a few hours.
- Store the cherries in a cool, dry place for up to a week.
Growing cherry trees from seeds is a rewarding experience that allows you to nurture a fruit-bearing tree in the comfort of your home. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from preparing the seeds to providing optimal growing conditions.
Harvesting and Preparing Cherry Seeds
1. Choose ripe cherries: Select fresh, ripe cherries with plump, unblemished flesh.
2. Remove the pit: Carefully cut the cherry in half and remove the pit.
3. Clean the pit: Remove any remaining fruit flesh or juice from the pit.
4. Soak the pit: Soak the pit in warm water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat.
Stratifying the Seeds
1. Prepare a moist medium: Fill a container with moist potting mix or vermiculite.
2. Sow the seeds: Place the soaked pits in the moist medium, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
3. Cover the seeds: Lightly cover the pits with more moist potting mix.
4. Refrigerate: Place the container in the refrigerator for 8-12 weeks. This process simulates winter conditions and breaks the seed’s dormancy.
Planting the Seeds
1. Prepare pots: Fill individual pots with well-draining potting mix.
2. Remove seeds from refrigerator: Take the seeds out of the refrigerator and allow them to warm up to room temperature for a few hours.
3. Plant the seeds: Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep in the potting mix.
4. Water thoroughly: Water the seeds well to settle the soil.
Providing Optimal Growing Conditions
1. Light: Place the pots in a sunny location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
2. Temperature: Maintain a temperature between 60-75°F (16-24°C) for optimal growth.
3. Water: Water the seedlings when the soil feels slightly dry to the touch.
4. Fertilize: Fertilize the seedlings every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Transplanting the Seedlings
1. Wait for true leaves: Transplant the seedlings when they have developed several true leaves.
2. Harden off: Gradually expose the seedlings to outdoor conditions for a few weeks before transplanting.
3. Dig holes: Dig holes twice the width of the root ball and deep enough to accommodate the taproot.
4. Plant the seedlings: Carefully remove the seedlings from their pots and plant them in the holes.
5. Water deeply: Water the seedlings thoroughly to settle the soil.
Care and Maintenance
1. Water regularly: Water the trees deeply, especially during hot and dry periods.
2. Mulch: Spread a layer of mulch around the base of the trees to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
3. Prune: Prune the trees as needed to shape them and remove any dead or diseased branches.
4. Protect from pests and diseases: Monitor the trees for pests and diseases and treat them accordingly.
Harvesting and Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor
1. Wait for maturity: Cherry trees take several years to reach maturity and produce fruit.
2. Enjoy the harvest: When the cherries are ripe, harvest them by gently twisting them off the branches.
3. Store the cherries: Store the cherries in a cool, dry place for up to a week.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: How long does it take for cherry seeds to germinate?
A: Cherry seeds typically germinate within 3-4 weeks after planting.
Q: Can I plant cherry seeds from store-bought cherries?
A: Yes, you can plant cherry seeds from store-bought cherries. However, the seeds may not be viable if the cherries have been treated with preservatives.
Q: How big do cherry trees grown from seeds get?
A: The size of cherry trees grown from seeds can vary depending on the variety. Some varieties can reach heights of up to 30 feet.
