How Do You Plant a Cherry Tree from a Pit?
Planting a cherry tree from a pit is a great way to ensure that you’re getting a strong, healthy tree. Unlike cherry trees purchased from a nursery, the ones that you plant yourself come with some added benefits. Here, we’ll take a look at what makes this method of planting cherry trees so appealing, and the steps you need to take for successful planting.
Preparing the Pit
The first step in planting a cherry tree using the pit is to obtain a healthy one. You can purchase pits from a specialist nursery, or more commonly, harvest them from the fruit you’ve eaten. To prepare your pit, you’ll need to clean it thoroughly and remove any flesh, as this can attract certain fungal infections and cause rot. You’ll also want to leave the pit to dry out until the skin begins to crack. Once you’ve completed this step, simply place the pit into a container that has some moist potting mix in it – this will give the roots something to anchor to while they begin to form.
Planting the Pit
After you’ve prepared the pit, you can begin the process of planting it. Start by digging a hole that is large enough to accommodate the pit and the roots that are beginning to form. Once the hole is ready, you should add some organic material to the bottom of it, such as compost or manure. Place the pit into the hole, and displace some of the soil back into it. The goal is to make sure that the pit is well-covered, with just the top of the pit visible.
Aftercare
After you’ve planted the pit, it’s important to give it the right care. This includes ensuring that it is watered regularly – not too much, and not too little – as well as provided with adequate sunlight. The tree should also be protected from strong winds and heavy frost, as this can damage the young tree. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that the root system is not disturbed, as this can be detrimental to the tree’s survival.
Pruning and Pruning Again
Once you’ve established a healthy cherry tree, it’s important to keep it looking its best. Pruning is the key to success here; by removing dead, diseased or damaged branches, you’ll keep your tree strong and healthy. You should prune your tree at least once a year; however, depending on the variety of cherry tree, you may find yourself needing to prune more frequently. You can also fertilize your tree in order to help it to reach its full potential.
Weed Control
Weeds can be detrimental to a young cherry tree, as they will compete for vital nutrients that could be used to help the tree grow. To avoid this problem, be sure to pull up any weeds you find near the tree, and mulch around the roots well to help limit weed growth. Additionally, you can use certain weed killers – known as herbicides – to keep the weeds at bay.
Pest Control
Cherry trees can also be subject to insect pests such as aphids, scales and caterpillars, so it’s important to monitor your tree for signs of these. If you spot any insects in or near the tree, you’ll need to act fast and use a suitable pesticide in order to keep the infestation from getting out of hand.
Protection from Diseases
Disease can also have a devastating effect on cherry trees, so it’s necessary to keep an eye out for any signs of illness. Common symptoms of disease include wilting leaves, discolored or stunted growth, and ‘die-back’. If you spot any of these symptoms, you’ll need to take swift action and, if necessary, seek professional help in order to protect your tree.
Harvesting the Fruits
Finally, when the time comes to harvest your cherry tree’s fruits, you can use a series of tried and tested methods. Most people prefer to wait until the fruit is ripe, but you can also use timing methods such as counting the number of days since flowering or checking the color of the fruit. Additionally, you can take a peak at the seeds – if they come away easily, then the fruit is ready to be harvested.
Planning for the Long-term
Cherry trees take a few years to reach full maturity, but with the right care, they will produce delicious, healthy crops. When considering your tree-planting plans, keep in mind that a cherry tree can live for many years, so it’s worth taking the time to ensure that you’re giving your tree the best possible environment and care. By following these steps, you’ll be able to successfully grow and maintain your own cherry tree.
Growing Conditions for Cherry Trees
Cherry trees tend to thrive in climates with mild summers, warm winters and fairly wet spring weather. When choosing a spot for your tree, make sure to avoid areas where it will be exposed to cold winds or direct sunlight, as this can cause leaf burn and flower damage. Additionally, make sure the soil is well-draining and relatively low in nutrients – too much fertilizing could result in weaker trees.
Pruning for Improved Development
If you’re looking to promote better fruit development, it’s a good idea to prune your tree at the right time. This is best done before the tree produces any fruit – usually in late winter or early spring – as this will ensure that the tree blooms fully and maintains an open, airy structure. Additionally, try to prune off crossing or competing branches, as this will make sure that the fruit has plenty of room to grow.
Fertilizing Cherry Trees
When it comes to fertilizing your cherry tree, the aim is to promote strong and healthy growth while avoiding an overabundance of fruit. You should apply a light amount of fertilizer 2-3 times per year – once in the spring, once in the summer, and once in the fall. Make sure to use a fertilizer specifically designed for fruit trees, as this will have a balance of the key macro- and micronutrients needed for a healthy tree.
Getting the Most Out of Your Harvest
Once your cherry tree is producing fruit, it’s important to collect it at the right time. The best time to do this is when the fruit is slightly firm but still soft – this is generally 7-10 days prior to full ripeness. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure to collect all of the fruit with caution, as cherries are quite fragile when ripe and too much rough handling could damage the tree’s stem and leaves.
Pest Prevention with Spraying
Finally, one of the best ways to protect your cherry tree is to spray it with a pesticide. This should be done regularly throughout the year, as pests can be more active during certain times. Aim to spray at least every 6-8 weeks, especially during the spring when the flowers first appear. This will provide your tree with the barrier it needs to remain healthy and produce delicious fruits.
