Can You Start a Cherry Tree From the Pit?
Cherry trees are popularly grown in gardens and yards and such, these trees not only look aesthetically pleasing but also are a significant food source. It is possible to start a cherry tree from the pit, and in the right skills, it can be grown to be fruitful and strong trees. In this article, we’ll discuss whether it is a good idea, or not, to start a cherry tree from the pit, and what are the measures for it.
The most widely used means of propagating cherry trees is through cuttings from existing cherry trees. These cuttings are taken from the branches and the trunk and are planted to give birth to a new cherry tree. However, it is also possible to start a cherry tree from a pit. The seeds from the cherry tree, known as the pit or stone can be used to propagated a new cherry tree.
When starting a cherry tree from the pit, it must be kept in mind that the variety of the planted tree won’t be the same as that of the parent tree, unless they are cross-pollinated. This is because most of the cherry trees are self-sterile. It is best to buy a variety of cherry tree that has been proven to self-pollinate.
The pit can be planted in fertile, well-drained soil. It is also advised to use plastic bags to keep the soil warm and moist, as the germination process can shift the soil sideways while giving out new leaves, requiring a different type of soil each time.
The cherry tree pit should be planted in full sunlight, and be kept at an adequate distance from the wall, so that the sunlight can reach the pit. To help in germination, a fungicide or other anti-microbial agents can be sprayed on the pit before planting.
The region, or rather the climate where the cherry tree would be planted plays a huge role in its pollination, as the pollination process can be better facilitated in certain climates than in others. It can also be beneficial to cross-pollinate the cherry tree, this will help in getting the desired results.
When to Plant the Pit?
It is generally advised to plant the pit right after it is exhumed from the cherry tree, however, if this isn’t possible, it can be stored in a cool and dry place, and should be planted either in early spring or late autumn.
It is also essential to fertilize the tree at regular intervals with the right proportions of Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium. This will help the tree to survive and develop well in the desired climate.
Additionally, adequate watering should be given to the tree, and a plant guard or some other kind of barrier needs to be installed to ward off diseases, pests and other harmful influences.
Can Cherry Trees be Grafted?
Yes, cherry trees can be grafted, but it is not very a common practice for cherry trees, because of the time and effort required for the task. A small piece of the root stock is cut with a sharp knife and then it is grafted onto the desired cherry tree.
It is essential to use a wax or some other material to protect the graft as it is being formed, this will keep out any external factors that might damage it and will also ensure that the union between the newly grafted tree and the rootstock is successful.
It is good to remember that grafting is a very delicate process and requires proper skill and experience to do it. If proper care is not taken, it can have dire results. If a person does wish to attempt grafting without professional aid, it is wise to do a detailed research on its working and its procedure thoroughly before starting the task.
Insects Related to Cherry Trees
It is essential to recognize the type of insects related to cherry trees and their activity, this will help one in keeping the trees healthy. The main insect species related to cherry trees are the cherry-borer, the cherry-root grub, the cherry moth, the black cherry longhorned beetle, the cherry sawyer beetle, the plum curculio, the brown cherry caterpillar, the borer beetle and the peachtree borer.
These insects have distinct characteristics and have different kinds of appetites. It is important to understand what different kinds of insects belong to the cherry tree family, this will help in identifying the abnormal behaviour of insects on cherry trees and can help in proper pest control.
Pest Control for Cherry Trees
The best method for controlling pests on cherries is to identify the insects present, this helps in determining the kind of pest control needed for the cherry tree. It can be effective to use certain organic pesticides that are safe for humans. These help in keeping away harmful insects and also in preventing the trees from getting diseased while saving the tree from the risk of getting irreparably damaged.
The most effective control method is attracting beneficial insects, such as Monarch butterfly and Ladybug, and making sure that they stay around the cherry tree as it has been proven to be highly beneficial in eradicating pests. Additionally, beneficial microorganisms can be used to keep away pests, this helps in keeping the soil fertile and healthy.
Harvesting Cherry Trees
When the cherry tree has been planted and the tree is matured, it could be time to harvest the cherries.Harvesting the cherry tree is fairly straight forward. The leaves of the tree can be checked for the maturity of the cherries, and when they feel soft to the touch and give a sweet taste, it is time to harvest them. It is beneficial to have cherry tree nets as they can help in collecting all the cherries as and when they drop from the tree.
The cherries should be handled with care, due to them being soft, and should be transferred safely. The harvested cherries should be stored properly to keep them fresh, preferably in refrigerator temperatures and away from the harmful gases released by ripening fruits.
Pros and Cons
Starting a cherry tree from the pit is an interesting experiment and could yield good results if taken care of and monitored regularly. It also helps in expanding one’s horticulture knowledge and understanding of the eco-system of a cherry tree.
But one should keep in mind that the process can be very strenuous, and quite difficult if the steps mentioned above aren’t taken. It can use up a lot of energy and time but may ultimately be unsuccessful. Therefore, it must be kept in mind that when starting a cherry tree from a pit, it shouldn’t be done blindly, without prior knowledge, as the chances of it being successful can be reduced.
Conclusion
In conclusion, starting a cherry tree from the pit is possible and can be done if one is aware of the steps required for it. Proper knowledge about the topic is needed to be successful. There are also certain bonus knowledge that can be learned if one wishes to start a cherry tree range from pest control to harvesting the cherries. All of this combined can help one in growing a healthy cherry tree.
