Cherry blossom trees offer elegant beauty and sweet, succulent fruit that can become a delightful addition to any garden thanks to their ability to self-pollinate. But before you can enjoy the fruits of the cherry blossom tree, you must first know how to get the seeds. Below are the steps necessary to collect and sow these precious blossoms.
Steps to get seeds from cherry blossom tree
1. Gather cherry blossom tree fruit. Ideally, you should collect fruit that has just fallen to the ground and is still in peak condition. Alternatively, if you are in a region with established cherry blossom trees, you can ask the gardener or owner for access to the tree.
2. Place the cherry blossom tree fruit in a bowl and fill it with warm water. This will soften the flesh and remove the outer skin, thereby revealing the seeds underneath. You may also use a spoon to scrape the seeds from the outer wall of the fruit.
3. Remove any remaining pulp or fruit residue from the seeds by rubbing them between a few sheets of paper towel. This will ensure that the seeds are as clean as possible and ready for sowing.
4. Spread the seeds out on a baking sheet to dry, paying particular attention to their shape. This will encourage quicker growth when planted into the soil.
5. When the seeds are dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will ensure that they remain viable for many months ahead.
6. When you’re ready, sow the cherry blossom tree seeds in suitable compost and water thoroughly. Place the tray or container in a warm, sunny spot and keep watered regularly, especially during dry weather.
7. Harvest the fruits when they are ripe and enjoy the sweet flavour of the cherry blossom tree.
Preparing soil before planting seeds
Preparation is crucial when planting cherry blossom tree seeds as the soil needs to be in the right condition to ensure the successful germination of the seeds. The soil should be light and free-draining, with a pH between six and eight. Adding a small amount of sand can help to improve drainage and prevent root rot in the young seedlings.
To give the seedlings a nutrient boost, consider incorporating some plant-based compost or manure into the soil prior to sowing. This will help to feed the young plants and ensure they are receiving all of the necessary essential nutrients for a healthy life.
When it comes to watering, the soil should be kept damp but not so wet that the seeds are at risk of rotting. A good way to ensure the soil remains at the desired moisture level is to place a shallow dish of water nearby, or use a spray bottle with a fine mist setting.
Finally, it’s important to protect the seedlings from cold temperatures, especially during the early stages of growth. Consider covering the soil with a layer of mulch to keep the warmth in and the cold out.
Caring for Cherry Blossom Tree
Once your cherry blossom tree seedlings have established themselves and are growing healthily, they will require some basic maintenance to keep them looking their best. Pruning is one of the most important aspects of care and can help to keep the tree’s shape and size in check.
Fertilizing is also essential for healthy cherry blossom trees. Applying a fertilizer twice a year – once in early spring and again in late summer – will help to encourage strong growth and plenty of blossoms. Always read the instructions on the fertilizer packaging and remember to water the fertilizer into the soil after application.
Finally, it’s a good idea to cover the soil around the base of the tree with a thick layer of mulch to help it retain moisture and provide added protection from extremes in weather. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and take appropriate action to ensure best results.
Common Problems
When growing cherry blossom trees, it’s not uncommon to encounter various ailments and pests. Common problems include aphids, spider mites, scale insects, and thrips, as well as fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. It’s also possible for trees to become infected with certain viruses and nematodes.
The best way to combat such issues is to practice good horticultural hygiene. Keep the tree well-maintained and regularly inspect the leaves, stems, and bark for signs of damage or disease. If the tree is affected, remove any damaged or diseased parts and dispose of them away from the tree.
The use of pesticides and fungicides is a controversial topic, especially when it comes to fruit trees, but if all other methods have failed, consider using a chemical product to tackle the problem. However, it’s worth noting that this should be a last resort, as chemical products can cause more harm than good if used incorrectly.
Harvesting Cherry Blossom Fruits
When it comes to harvesting cherry blossom fruits, timing is everything, as cherries don’t all ripen at the same time. To maximize the harvest, pick the fruit as soon as the first few cherries start to turn red, usually around mid-summer. Avoid waiting too long as the fruits are at risk of being eaten by birds and animals.
The best way to pick cherries is to gently twist the stem, taking care not to try to break it off. If the stem doesn’t come away easily, then the fruit probably isn’t yet ripe enough. Once picked, cherries will keep for a few days in the refrigerator, but for the best taste, eat them as soon as possible.
Storing Cherry Blossom Fruits
If you’re not planning to eat the cherries straight away, then you can store them for later use. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to two weeks. Alternatively, you can freeze the cherries for up to six months.
For the best results, spread the cherries out on a baking sheet before freezing and place the tray in the coldest part of your freezer. Once frozen, transfer the cherries to a sealed container or resealable freezer bag. When ready to use, defrost the cherries in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy within a couple of days.
Preserving Cherry Blossoms
Besides collecting and consuming their fruits, one of the best ways to appreciate cherry blossom trees is to create keepsakes using the petals. This can be done by pressing the blooms, air-drying them, or using a preserving solution such as glycerin. Whichever method you decide to use, the results will be sure to last.
For pressing, choose petals that are just beginning to open and pick them in the early morning while they are still moist. Place the blooms between two sheets of blotting paper or parchment paper and weigh them down with something flat. Allow to dry naturally for a few days, then display in a frame or book.
Alternatively, you can preserve the petals by laying them out on a sheet of waxed paper in a dry, dark place. Air-drying will take around a week, depending on the humidity. Once dried, the petals can be kept in an airtight container for several years.
Finally, for a more vibrant and lasting result, consider using a glycerin solution. Dissolve 8 ounces of glycerin with 25 ounces of distilled water and place the petals in the mixture for up to three days. Remove them from the solution and lay them out to dry overnight before displaying in a decorative vase.
