Can one grow a cherry tree from a cherry pit? Yes, it is indeed possible to grow a cherry tree from a cherry pit. In fact, cherries are harvested from trees that germinate from a single seed, usually a cherry pit. The cherry tree is a fruit-bearing deciduous tree widely grown in different parts of the world.
Growing a cherry tree from a pit is reliant on the seed’s viability and the environment that it is planted in. Cherry pits have a critical dormancy period prior to germination. This process is necessary to give the seed enough time to heal the injury sustained while being removed from the fruit. The time needed can vary greatly, some pits may germinate in less than 7 days, others may simply refuse to germinate ever.
Cherry pits are high in immobility, which means they need to be stratified (cooled) before they will even think about germinating. In nature, the stratification process will take place over the winter months. Home gardeners should adhere to a similar timeline, by storing pits for 4 to 6 weeks in moist substrate in a refrigerator or freezer. Soaking the pits overnight in warm water before chilling can also be beneficial.
When the stratification process is complete, the cherry pits should be planted about 2 – 3 inches apart and at a depth of 1 inch. The hole should be sprinkled with water to keep the soil moist. The location chosen should be warm and sufficiently lit. Direct sunlight is not necessary, but cherry trees do require lots of indirect sunlight.
The soil should also be kept slightly moist to encourage germination. Once the seedlings begin to sprout, they can be carefully moved to larger containers or planted outdoors in enriched soil. At this point, young cherry tree needs regular fertilizing, mulching and pruning.
The cherry tree needs an additional 2-3 years to produce flowers which yield cherries. At this stage, the cherry tree should be adequately supported to ensure it is not damaged by the wind. While cherries can be produced from a single pit, it is not ideal because the tree must acclimate to the climate. Planting multiple trees that are adapted to the local environment will result in better quality cherries.
Expert Insight
Researchers have studied the stratification process of cherry pits as well as the factors that influence the growth of a cherry tree from a pit. According to Dr. Janelle Taylor, a researcher from the University of California, Davis, the success of a brand-new cherry tree from a pit is greatly based on the environmental conditions, especially the amount of water and light. She also suggests that it is important to understand the various methods of stratification prior planting a cherry pit.
In addition, she explains that once the stratification period is over, the seeds should be planted with care as to have them have an ideal chance of sprouting. “Under ideal conditions, the seedlings may be ready to transplant after 8 weeks,” Dr. Taylor notes.
Implications on Horticulture
The importance of cherry tree compatibility with the environment also applies to commercial horticulture. Natural stands of cherry trees are often multiplied by cuttings, grafted clones, and micro-propagation to expand an orchard.
However, whilst grafted trees can produce both high-quality cherries and increased yields, there are some issues associated with this cloning approach. The main issue relates to when an entire orchard becomes exposed to a single disease and subsequently wipes out an entire orchard.
Generally speaking, growing healthy fruit-bearing trees from cherry pits has become an increasingly popular alternative as it has proven to be successful and cost-efficient. Moreover, as the seedlings are adapted to local climates, growers have found that their cherries have a much higher quality and many diseases have notably been reduced.
Scientific Evidence
Researchers in Kazakhstan have studied the ability of the cherry tree to survive in various climates and terrains. In their research paper, they determined that “the cherry tree is an excellent species for multiple clonal reproduction and genetic engineering and can be grown in different soils, terrains and climates.” They also concluded that the production of high-yield, high-quality and disease-resistant cherry trees could potentially be improved with the use of advanced breeding methods in combination with careful cherry pit selections.
Furthermore, their paper showed that the cherry trees that were planted from cherry pit can produce a large yield with a high sugar content in as little as 3 years, depending on the climate. Additional research has also demonstrated that cherry tree yield and quality can be further improved in subsequent years through cross-pollination and improved cultivation techniques.
Hybridization
With the aid of hybridization techniques, growers have been able to increase the size and flavor of the fruit. Cherry trees are usually cross-pollinated with Japanese sweet cherry trees to produce a hybrid with a sweeter taste and larger fruit size. These trees, which require temperatures of 60° – 65°F and a fully sunny location, are sometimes referred to as sweet cherry hybrids. The process of hybridization is often preceded by the selection of two compatible cherry species.
Moreover, cultivars known as the sour cherry trees require substantially lower temperatures and can feature tart tasting fruit. Sour cherry trees are commonly used in culinary applications such as fruit pies and jams. Unlike sweet cherry hybrids, these trees are much smaller by comparison and provide a consistent, low-yield production.
Pruning
To ensure maximum flower production throughout the season, commercial orchardists will prune the cherry trees at appropriate intervals. Pruning helps to maintain the desired canopy shape. This can allow the tree to effectively manage its energy by maintaining adequate light exposure, whilst still avoiding excessive sunburn. Furthermore, research suggests that cherry tree pruning should be carried out prior to or after flowering, depending on the climate and season.
Since cherry trees do require pollen from another tree for effective cross-pollination, it is important to prune selectively. Poor pruning can lead to low flower/fruit production and inadequate pollination, resulting in a decrease in harvest quality. In fact, many agriculturalists recommend leaving more than one branch at the same height to ensure an adequate amount of flowers and pollination.
Maintenance of Cherry Trees
Having successfully produced a cherry tree from a pit, maintenance becomes essential for the long-term viability of the tree. A cherry tree should receive at least 1 inch of water per week and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer and pruned annually. Although pest and disease control is not always necessary, it is advised if the trees are being commercially cultivated.
The cherry tree is a key component of many orchardist operations. From a few well-positioned cherry pits, growers can establish a thriving orchard and reap the rewards of high-quality, flavorful cherries. Thus, the cherry tree is often seen as a low-cost, high-return investment and is a wise choice for anyone looking to grow fruit in the home garden.
