Growing cherry trees from store-bought cherries is a process that requires patience, but can yield remarkable results if the process is followed correctly. Firstly, it’s important to understand how a cherry tree grows from a single store-bought cherry. Cherries are classified as drupes, or a type of fruit that has a hard outer wall surrounding a seed. The seeds of a cherry will sprout as soon as they are placed in a moist environment that contains soil enriched with essential oils and minerals.
When beginning to grow a cherry tree from store-bought cherries, it is best to start with at least four or five different pieces of fruit. This way, the genetic diversity of the resulting tree will be greater and the chances of a successful growth are higher. The cherries should be removed from the package and individually washed and inspected for any signs of rot. This step is important because the cherries used for planting should be of the highest quality.
Once the cherries have been selected, the growing process can begin. The cherries should be placed in small containers with moistened potting soil. A refrigerator is the best place to keep the container, as the cold will help reduce the risk of fungal overgrowth. The cherries should be spread out as far as possible in the container, ensuring that each cherry has enough room to properly sprout.
As the seedlings grow, they should be exposed to sunlight so they can form strong root systems. If the soil is dry, they should also be watered frequently, allowing the soil to remain moist throughout the growth process. Over time, the cherry trees should be transplanted into larger containers or into the ground, depending on the desired result. The growth of the trees should be monitored to ensure that it is healthy and that the tree is producing high-quality cherries.
Experts recommend fertilizing the soil with natural fertilizer that is low in chemicals, as this will help support the growth of the cherry tree and ensure that the resulting fruit is of the best quality. Also, it is important to prune the trees to ensure that the cherries are ripening properly. Proper pruning will also help ensure that the cherries are not over-ripening and becoming too sugary, making them too sweet or sour.
Pests & Diseases
Just like any other plants, cherry trees are vulnerable to pests, diseases and fungal growth. Therefore, it is important to monitor the tree regularly and take appropriate steps to protect it. Insects such as aphids, thrips and spider mites feed on the sap of the fruit, so it is important to remove or spray them away. Diseases such as blight and root rot can also be controlled by following advice from agricultural experts.
Fungal growths can be prevented by spraying the trees with a fungicide, which will kill the fungal spores and help protect against future infestations. Additionally, cherry tree owners should consider using a fruit tree spray to provide additional protection from fungal growth.
Harvesting & Storing Cherries
When the cherry tree has grown and is ready to produce fruit, it is important to monitor the tree closely for any signs of ripening fruit. Cherries are generally ready for harvest when they become soft and dark in color. It is important to only harvest ripe cherries as this will prevent any potential bitter or unpleasant flavors in the final product.
Once the cherries have been harvested, they need to be stored correctly in order to avoid spoilage. The best way to store cherries is in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, as the cold temperature will slow down the ripening process and prevent any bacteria from forming. Cherries can also be frozen in plastic bags and stored in the freezer, allowing them to keep for several months.
Additional Steps
When growing cherry trees, it is also important to keep them free of weeds. Weeds can reduce the eligible root spread of the tree, causing damaging and hinder the growth. Weeds can be manually removed from the soil, but it is important to take care not to interfere with any tender new cherry tree roots. Weed killer can also be used when needed for more severe infestations.
Cherry trees should also be protected from the cold, especially during their first winter. Cover the tree with an appropriate material such as straw or burlap. It is also a good idea to mulch around the base of the tree in order to keep the soil at an appropriate temperature and reduce the risk of frost damage.
Pollination
In order to bear fruit, cherry trees must be pollinated by a compatible pollinator, such as another cherry tree of a different variety, a peach tree, or a nectarine tree. Pollination is needed in order for the tree to produce cherries, and it is important to ensure that the pollination process is effective and ongoing.
Beekeeping is the most common way to pollinate cherry trees, as bees are necessary for the efficient and effective pollination of a variety of different plants. When keeping bees, it is important to ensure that the hive is kept well away from the cherry tree, in order to prevent any potential damage to the blossoms. Additionally, beekeepers should ensure that their bees have access to a source of water and food, as this will encourage them to stay close to the cherry tree.
Pruning & Grafting
To ensure that the cherry tree produces high-quality fruit, pruning and grafting should be done every few years. Pruning should be done when the tree is still young to encourage it to take on a better shape and form, as well as to help promote more vigorous growth. When pruning, it is important to remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches, as well as any excess suckers that may be growing.
Grafting is a more advanced procedure that is done in order to increase fruit yield and quality. This process involves attaching a bud from one tree variety onto a branch from a second variety, resulting in a hybrid tree. This can be beneficial as it introduces a different gene pool into the tree, allowing for greater variability in the final product.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, growing cherry trees from store-bought cherries is a relatively simple process, but it does require patience and dedication. By following the steps outlined in this article, it is possible to grow a high-quality cherry tree, with delicious and juicy fruits which will be a real treat.
