What To Know
- Gently remove the fruit flesh from the seeds using your hands or a spoon.
- Place the seeds in a moist paper towel or peat moss and seal them in a plastic bag.
- Place the seed tray or pots in a location that receives plenty of sunlight.
Growing cherry trees from seeds is a rewarding experience that can add beauty and fruit to your garden. However, replanting cherry seeds requires careful attention and specific techniques to ensure successful germination and growth. This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions and tips to help you successfully replant cherry seeds.
Selecting the Right Cherry Seeds
Not all cherry seeds are suitable for replanting. Choose seeds from healthy, ripe cherries that have a plump and firm appearance. Avoid using seeds from cherries that have been treated with chemicals or pesticides.
Preparing the Seeds
Once you have selected the seeds, it’s important to prepare them for replanting.
1. Remove the Flesh: Gently remove the fruit flesh from the seeds using your hands or a spoon. Avoid damaging the seed coat.
2. Clean the Seeds: Rinse the seeds thoroughly with water to remove any remaining fruit residue or debris.
3. Stratify the Seeds: Cherry seeds require a period of cold stratification to break their dormancy and promote germination. Place the seeds in a moist paper towel or peat moss and seal them in a plastic bag. Store the bag in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks.
Choosing the Right Soil
The soil for replanting cherry seeds should be well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic. A mixture of potting soil, compost, and sand is ideal.
Planting the Seeds
1. Prepare the Soil: Fill a seed tray or small pots with the prepared soil.
2. Plant the Seeds: Sow the seeds about 1/2 inch deep into the soil. Space the seeds about 2 inches apart.
3. Water the Seeds: Gently water the seeds until the soil is moist but not soggy.
Caring for the Seedlings
1. Sunlight: Place the seed tray or pots in a location that receives plenty of sunlight.
2. Temperature: Keep the seedlings at a temperature between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Water: Water the seedlings regularly, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
4. Fertilize: Once the seedlings have developed their first few leaves, fertilize them with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Transplanting the Seedlings
When the seedlings have developed 2-3 sets of leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into individual pots or the garden.
1. Harden Off the Seedlings: Before transplanting, gradually expose the seedlings to outdoor conditions for a few hours each day over a week.
2. Dig a Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
3. Plant the Seedling: Place the seedling in the hole and backfill with soil. Firm the soil around the base of the plant.
4. Water the Seedling: Water the seedling thoroughly after planting.
Growing the Cherry Tree
1. Prune the Tree: Prune the cherry tree regularly to shape it and promote healthy growth.
2. Fertilize the Tree: Fertilize the cherry tree annually with a balanced fertilizer.
3. Water the Tree: Water the cherry tree deeply during periods of drought.
Troubleshooting
1. Seeds Not Germinating: Check if the seeds were properly stratified and planted at the right depth.
2. Seedlings Damping Off: Avoid overwatering the seedlings and ensure the soil has good drainage.
3. Cherry Tree Not Bearing Fruit: Cherry trees may take several years to bear fruit. Ensure the tree is getting enough sunlight and nutrients.
FAQ
1. How long does it take for cherry seeds to germinate?
Cherry seeds typically germinate within 2-4 weeks after planting.
2. Can I replant cherry seeds from store-bought cherries?
Yes, you can replant cherry seeds from store-bought cherries. However, the seeds may have been treated with chemicals, so it’s important to rinse them thoroughly before planting.
3. How deep should I plant cherry seeds?
Plant cherry seeds about 1/2 inch deep into the soil.
4. Do cherry trees need a lot of sunlight?
Cherry trees need full sun to produce the best fruit.
5. How often should I water a cherry tree?
Water a cherry tree deeply during periods of drought, especially during the first year after planting.
