Background
Growing a cherry tree from cherry pits is not a difficult process, however it does require patience. The tree rarely produces fruit in its first year, so it is important to plan ahead and to understand how to properly nurture a cherry tree. Ample care is needed in order to ensure healthy growth and progress. Understanding what needs to be done and when will help to keep the tree healthy and happy.
Gathering the Supplies
Before attempting to grow a cherry tree from a pit, it is essential to gather the necessary supplies. The supplies for planting a cherry tree are quite minimal: compost, pots or containers, a trowel and cherry pits. Depending on the size of cherry pit, some may require soaking for a day in order to break down the protective coating. Additionally, if the pit is particularly large, it may make sense to purchase a ‘starter pouch’ from a local garden supplier to ensure seedling success.
Planting the Pits
Once all of the supplies are gathered, the cherry pits can be planted. It is important to take caution when managing the delicate pits. Wash the pits in clean water to remove any potential bacteria, then leave them on a clean surface to completely dry. After the process of drying is completed, it is necessary to prepare the pits to be planted. This is done by scattering the pits in the compost, lightly cover them with soil, and press gently on the soil to ensure it is all in contact with the soil.
Providing Proper Care
Once the cherry pits are planted, proper care must be taken to ensure that the tree thrives. It is important to position the container or pot in a sunny and well-lit spot and to ensure it gets the adequate moisture from rain or from the gardener. Additionally, cherry trees need pruning to ensure it continues to grow and thrive. Pruning helps to keep the tree from becoming too large or to help it to develop a healthy foliage.
Watch and Wait
Once the cherry tree is planted and has been taken care of properly, it is time to simply watch and wait for it to grow and thrive. As with any biological process, some patience is necessary as the tree may not produce fruit right away. However, this is quite common when growing a cherry tree from cherry pits and it is important to remain patient, yet actively engaged with the tree.
Ground Maintenance
Ground maintenance is a key practice when growing a cherry tree from cherry pits and should be taken quite seriously. Regular maintenance helps to ensure the health of the soil, preventing disease and promoting safety for the cherry tree. Maintaining the soil helps the cherry tree to have an optimal growing environment and can significantly increase the chances of a successful and fruitful harvest.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing the ground around the cherry tree is also an important practice. Using compost or fertilizer that is specific to the cherry tree can significantly help to produce a plentiful and nutritious harvest. This also helps to retain nutrients in the soil, providing the necessary nourishment for the tree, preventing disease and ensuring optimal growth.
Pest Control
Pest control is another important aspect to consider when growing a cherry tree from a cherry pit. It is almost unavoidable that pesky insects such as aphids, caterpillars, moths or beetles may attempt to devour the cherry tree’s foliage, harassing and injuring it. Investing in natural or organic pesticides, as well as taking preventive measures, is key in keeping the pests from overtaking the tree.
Watering
Watering is the most important thing to remember when growing a cherry tree from a cherry pit. It is essential to maintain constant moisture in the soil, so the cherry tree has the optimal growing environment it needs to thrive. It is recommended to water the trees deeply at least once a week and to make sure to check the soil is getting the necessary moisture in between waterings.
Staking Plants
Staking plants is also recommended when growing a cherry tree from cherry pits. When a plant is young, it is particularly vulnerable to wind and weather. If the wind is too strong, the plant may suffer physical damage. Staking the plant helps to secure young plants and avoid physically injuring the cherry tree.
Limiting Fertigation
Fertigation is the practice of applying fertilizer and water to add necessary nutrients and moisture to a plant. While this is essential to help a cherry tree grow and thrive, it is recommended to avoid too much fertigation as this can cause root rot or other issues. It is best to only apply fertilizer when necessary and to avoid over-fertilizing the cherry tree.
Adequate Light Levels
In addition to providing proper care for a cherry tree, it is also important to ensure there is an adequate amount of light when growing a cherry tree from a cherry pit. Cherry trees require full sun, meaning at least six hours of sunlight per day. If there is not enough light then the tree may suffer, as it will not be able to photosynthesize properly and may struggle to grow. Therefore, make sure the cherry tree is placed in a sunny area where it will be able to receive the necessary sunlight.
Web Maintenance
Finally, it is important to perform web maintenance regularly to avoid a potential infestation. This involves cleaning the area around the cherry tree, removing any fallen leaves or branches, as this can attract pests. Additionally, if there is a web near the tree it is important to destroy it and remove it properly. This will help to prevent any pests from infesting the cherry tree, causing it to suffer and possibly die.
