Background Information
Gardening is a popular hobby among many, and growing cherry trees from seed is a popular and fun project that can be done at home. Growing cherry trees from seed is not as difficult as it sounds and it can be a rewarding experience when done properly. It is important to educate oneself on the basics of how to properly sprout cherry tree seeds and the necessary materials needed before beginning.
Necessary Materials
In actuality, very few materials are necessary in order to grow a cherry tree from seed. The most important thing to have is the seed itself. Make sure to purchase viable seeds based off of the instructions online or on the seed packaging. Furthermore, a suitable growing container is needed for the tree such as a seed-starting tray or a small pot. It should be made sure that it has adequate drainage holes at the bottom. Additionally, a quality potting soil mix is essential for the cherry tree to grow in. Lastly, a mobile shade cloth that is placed over the seedling after it sprouts is also beneficial.
Germination Process
The germination process for cherry tree seeds is quite simple. After obtaining all of the necessary materials, the first step would be to fill up the growing container with the potting soil. The container should be filled to slightly over the rim, and a hole should be created in the middle of the soil. Then, the seed should be placed inside of the hole and covered with a thin layer of soil. After that, the soil should be watered but not overly saturated. It is important not to over water the soil because it can drown the seed and create a mess. Lastly, place the shade cloth on top and leave the seed alone for a few weeks.
Care and Maintenance
Once the seed has sprouted, there is a certain care routine that needs to be done in order to properly maintain it. The seedling should be moved to a location with ample sunlight exposure. However, it depends on the location and time of the year for the exact amount of sunlight to give the seedling. It is important to keep the seedling away from any type of wind that could harm the delicate leaves. Additionally, keep the soil moist but not overly saturated and be sure to water it properly. Lastly, the seedling should be fertilized once it has been transplanted in the ground with a fertilizer specifically designed for a cherry tree.
Adverse Conditions and Disease Prevention
There are certain adverse conditions and diseases that cherry tree seedlings are susceptible too. For example, the seedling could be attacked by bugs and parasites such as aphids or other harmful insects. It is important to be aware of signs of bugs and parasites on the seedling and if seen, inspect and remove them immediately. Additionally, some conditions can occur naturally and can be weather-related or soil-related. Examples of this include any type of frost or too much or too little water. Lastly, it is essential to be aware of cherry tree diseases and take the necessary steps to prevent them from occurring.
Transplanting and Harvesting
Once the seedling has grown larger, it should be transplanted in the ground, preferably in a sunny spot. It is also important to provide plenty of room for the tree to expand when planting it. Furthermore, the tree should be given enough water but not too much so as to prevent root rot in the tree. Lastly, once the tree has fully bloomed, the cherries can be picked off one by one and harvested and enjoyed.
Advantages
The greatest advantage of growing cherries from seed is the revard and satisfaction one experiences when doing so. Following the entire process from beginning to end and being able to enjoy the fruits of one’s labor is highly rewarding. Additionally, growing cherries from seed is also a cost-effective option and much less expensive than buying a mature tree. Lastly, it is seen as an eco-friendly option since it allows the cherry tree to grow organically and with the least amount of human intervention.
Disadvantages
There are some disadvantages of growing a cherry tree from seed as well. The most clear disadvantage is the amount of time that it takes to grow a mature cherry tree. It is a lengthy process that could take up to three years before it produces fruit. Furthermore, depending on the climate, a cold winter can take a toll on the tree and damage it, making it more prone to diseases and pests. Additionally, the seed may not always grow into the type of cherry tree that was intended, and only small cherries may be grown the first season.
Preparation Techniques
In order to prepare the seed before planting, a few necessary preparations must be taken. It is important to perform a cold stratification process, which means initiating the seed for germinating. To do this, the seed must be placed in a damp paper towel or substrate and kept in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 8-10 weeks. This allows the seed to properly develop and initiate the germination process. Additionally, the seed should be lightly scratched on the outside to make sure that it is properly exposed to water.
Tools for Pruning
Once the cherry tree has grown and become mature, regular pruning of the branches is essential for the tree to grow properly and produce ample amounts of fruits. Handheld pruning shears should be used in order to snip off any dead branches and unwanted leaves. Additionally, a pole pruner can be used to cut hard-to-reach branches, as it is longer and more convenient. Lastly, a saw can be used in order to cut thick branches if necessary.
Pollination
When growing a cherry tree from seed, it is important to be aware of the fact that pollination may occur two times a year depending on the season. It is done with the aid of bees and other honey-producing insects. These insects are attracted to the flowers of the tree, and as they collect nectar, they take it from one flower and bring it to another, thus pollinating the tree. Additionally, it is also possible to mechanically pollinate the tree by taking a brush and brushing the flowers lightly against each other or with a cotton swab.
Pollution Control
Pollution control of the cherry tree is an essential step in order to ensure that the tree is properly taken care of and produces healthy fruits. Unfortunately, with the rise of industrialization, there are many pollutants present in the air that could potentially harm the tree. It is important to keep the tree away from busy roads or highways and if near, be sure to keep it covered with a shade cloth to prevent the airborne chemicals from reaching the tree. Furthermore, the leaves should be inspected regularly and if any signs of pollution are detected, they should be removed immediately.
Upkeep and Maintenance
Lastly, in order to maintain a healthy and strong cherry tree, regular upkeep and maintenance is necessary. This includes regular watering, but it should be done in moderation as too much can be harmful to the tree. Additionally, the soil should be checked to make sure that there is no development of diseases or fungus. Furthermore, regular pruning of the branches can also help stimulate the growth of the tree and increase its fruit production. Lastly, it is beneficial to fertilize the tree with a fertilizer specifically designed for cherry trees.
