Spring is a glorious time of year for gardeners, as cherry blossoms and lush greens signal the start of a season dedicated to cultivating the earth. But such a bountiful harvest is always preceded by an imperative step in the process – getting the cherry blossom tree’s seeds. Knowing how to get seeds from a cherry blossom tree is a skill that will serve any gardener, young or old.
When looking to take advantage of the beauty and bounty of a cherry blossom tree, which often require invasive pruning and extensive care, it is a good idea to first assess how abundant the tree’s yield is. If the blossom tree shows signs of plentitude, the gardener can look ahead to harvesting the eventual fruits on the tree. Gardeners can use something as simple as a pair of scissors to harvest the seed pods, which contain the bulk of the tree’s viable material.
Once the husks are gathered from the tree, the gardeners must then age them according to the specific needs of the specific cherry blossom tree. Every genus and species of cherry blossom tree has differing requirements for aging and will require special attention in order to help the seeds reach maturity. Due to the sensitive nature of the seed’s delicate insides, gardeners who wish to reap the full benefit of their cherry blossom tree can spend up to several months aging the seeds.
Following the aging process, the gardeners first use a sharp scalpel to peel back the husk and expose the seed. Once this is accomplished, the seeds can be broken down into a slurry and separated, in order to generate the main seed material. The resultant slurry should contain the actual seed, which is the key component for any successful garden.
It is worth noting that the actual cultivation and planting of cherry blossom tree seeds is a nuanced art and will likely require years of practice to master. Despite the complexity of the task, there is a great joy that comes from having grown something of such beauty and abundance.
When getting the coveted cherry blossom tree seeds, it is important to appreciate and respect the complexities of the tree itself. Cherry blossom trees require a careful balance of sun, water and soil to ultimately yield success. While the trees are resilient and generally require fairly minimal maintenance, it is important to appreciate their delicacy and provide attentive care when necessary.
Protecting the Seed Pods
The seed pods of cherry blossom trees, a discrete and essential component of the process, are sensitive and require special attention when harvesting and storing. Without proper care and the use of protective gear, the harvester can damage the delicate husks, which can lead to the deterioration of the seed inside.
It is prudent for gardeners to devise a protective shield for their hands when harvesting from their treasured cherry blossom tree. The use of gloves will defend the harvester from potentially harmful effects, as much of the tree’s defensive material is quite formidable. Keeping the hands safe and well-protected will ensure the production of a successful harvests.
In addition to the use of protective gear, it is wise for gardeners to keep careful notes and detailed diagrams of their cherry blossom trees (shape, size, primary branches, etc). Keeping the tree’s history persisted through text and image allows harvesters to craft a narrative of its bounty and appreciate the beauty of its seasons.
Preserving Seeds Over Time
When it comes to storing and preserving the harvested cherry blossom tree, gardeners tend to lean toward refrigeration. By keeping the seeds cold, the natural moisture in them is maintained, thus allowing them to keep viable over a longer period of time. Cool temperatures also help stave off the presence of mold, which is often seen as a sign of rot in the seeds.
Alternatively, some gardeners claim success in air-drying the seeds, which can lead to an extended shelf life. The key with air-drying is humidity, as it is important for air to circulate and for the temperature of the storage space to remain consistent.
Both methods of storage can be effective in their own ways and work to protect the seeds from the harshness of time. When looking to preserve the seeds of a cherry blossom tree, it is worth considering both practices and discerning which is more applicable to the context.
Alternative Storage Options
While refrigeration and air-drying are the two traditional methods of seed preservation, there are some alternative approaches – each with their own tier of benefits. Freeze-drying cherry blossoms, a practice found in some parts of Japan, is one route in which gardeners can look to preserve their seeds. This method works to preserve the physical characteristics of the seeds and ultimately extend their shelf-life.
Using a vacuum sealer is another preservation method gardeners can explore. By creating a tightly-packed storage area with the seeds inside and sealing it with a vacuum sealer, the seeds can potentially stay viable for up to 10 years. The key benefit of vacuum-sealed packing is that the seeds remain stored in their exact same state as when they were preserved.
Whatever methods of preservation gardeners choose, the fundamental assessment of temperatures, moisture and air is paramount. Keeping these three variables in balance will ultimately ensure the preservation of the cherry blossom tree seeds.
Alternative Harvesting Strategies
Gardeners who wish to take advantage of the affluent cherry blossom tree, but can’t bring themselves to harvest a single seed pod, may find that experimenting with some alternative strategies is well worth the effort. Many gardeners produce elaborate tools, such as baskets and miniature scoops, that allow them to gather the seeds from the tree without the fear of damaging the delicate husks.
Using a strainer is another viable strategy for harvesting the cherry blossom tree’s seeds. Utilizing a strainer can attract nearby birds, which may start to practice their own means of harvesting. This can create a mutualistic relationship between the birds and the gardeners as both will benefit from the abundance of the space.
Apart from the basket, scoops and strainers, there is a wide array of tools and contraptions one can use when attempting to get seeds from a cherry blossom tree. Gardeners frequently bring their own inventions to the task and often submit them to competitions and festivals.
Finding Sources for Cherry Blossom Seeds
While smaller gardeners may find success in harvesting their own cherry blossom tree, larger operations likely require some sort of outsourced seeds. Finding sources for cherry blossom seeds entails a deep dive into the world of gardening, with lots of research and due diligence in regard to quality and reputation.
Rather than source from general gardening stores, it is often wiser to purchase from specialty shops and boutiques. These stores tend to have an unwavering devotion to the craft and products with which they deal, which often leads to superior seeds.
Equally important to finding the highest quality seeds is the origin of such seeds. When selecting cherry blossom seed sources, it is smart to look for suppliers located in the seeds’ region of origin. These sources are usually the most familiar with the particular cherry blossom tree nuances and can provide better insight in regards to cultivation.
Apart from the traditional routes, grateful gardeners can also get seeds from their already existing cherry blossom trees. Saving the finest seeds from their trees and storing them according to the right protocols will ensure their quality and promote continued abundance.
Germinating the Chery Blossom Seeds
Once the seeds are collected and preserved, the gardener must attend to the germination process. It is important to note that the age and species of the seed will dictate the specific temperature, moisture and humidity thresholds for optimal germination.
When setting up the germination structure, it is of utmost importance to ensure proper air circulation and controlled temperatures, as lack of air can ruin the precious seeds.
Using nutrient and pheromone injections into the soil can be beneficial for various stages of the germination process. Such injections work to nourish and strengthen the seed before drilling and root growth begins.
Post-germination, it is important to frequently assess the status of the seeds. With the right attention and sufficient nourishment, the germinated seeds will eventually start to peek out of the soil and signal the first stages of growth.
Yearly Maintenance and Preparation
The cherry blossom tree, despite its hefty size, requires consistent and careful maintenance. Pruning is an essential part of the process and will help the tree yield the desired fruits. Such pruning should generally be conducted during the dormant season of the tree, usually during winter.
Pruning is also important for keeping the tree’s foliage and blossoms healthy, as the tiny winged insects that populate the flowers can often wreak havoc. With the right pruning techniques, the seasons will continue to be plentiful and the harvests can live on for many years to come.
Helping the cherry blossom trees reach the most fertile and invigorated state is also the responsibility of the gardener. Pre-season fertilization helps increase the tree’s marketability and improves its overall look. It is worth noting that over-fertilizing or timing the fertilization process incorrectly can lead to significant damage to the tree.
Yearly maintenance also requires consistent examination of the cherry blossom trees. Applying fungicides, managing pests, harvesting and deadheading are all essential steps in the process. It can be a daunting task to undertake, but with the right practice and patience, the rewards can be outstanding.
