Do you fancy planting a cherry tree from the pits left behind by the juicy, succulent fruits? It is actually possible to grow a cherry tree from the pit but it does take some preparation. In this article, we’ll explore the process of growing a cherry tree from a pit, with advice from experts, tips to bear in mind, and useful insights that will help you achieve the best outcome.
Acquire the Right Seed
The very first step you must take is to acquire the right seed. The optimal cherry tree seeds likely originated from a tree that is ripe, healthy and disease-free. These seeds typically appear as dark, firm lumps with a significant amount of fleshy material around them. According to experts, it is important to avoid seeds that are soft or fuzzy, as these may not be viable.
As for which variety of cherry tree to sow, it pays to look at the climate where you’re based. If you live in a temperate area, it may be best to opt for sweet or sour cherries; if you live in a more tropical environment, however, the ideal choice might be the Mahogany cherry.
Test the Seed
Once you’ve acquired the right seed, the next step is to give the seed the ‘float test’. Simply place the seed into a bowl or glass of water, and wait for it to either sink or float. If the seed sinks, it’s viable, meaning you can use it to grow a cherry tree. However, if the seed floats, it is best to discard it as it won’t produce a viable tree.
Start the Cold Stratification Process
At this stage, you need to place the seed into the cold stratification process. You can achieve this by placing it somewhere cool and damp for about three to six months, such as in a refrigerator or a damp basement. If you aren’t able to achieve this in a natural environment, seek advice from a local gardening center as there are ‘cold stratification kits’ available that can help.
Sow the Seed in a Pot or Tray
Once the cold stratification process is complete, the next step is to sow the seed in either a pot or tray filled with seed starting mix. Place the seed in the mix and sow lightly, with insulation placed over the pot or tray to help it retain moisture. Keep the pot or tray in a warm and humid environment and expose it to plenty of natural light. Try to avoid direct sunlight, however, as this can have a damaging effect.
Remember, at this stage, it could take anywhere between one and five months for the seed to germinate. As such, it’s important to remain vigilant and water the seed regularly to keep the environment moist. Keep an eye out for the seedling to emerge, then carefully transplant it into a larger pot or seedling tray with quality soil.
Replant It Outdoors
Once the cherry tree has reached a height of around 12 inches, you can finally replant it outdoors. Find a suitable spot in the ground which should ideally receive full sunlight most of the day. It is also essential to ensure that the area is not prone to flooding. Dig a hole and plant the tree into soil that has been amended with organic matter such as compost or manure.
Water the tree regularly and keep the soil moist to help it become established. As the cherry tree matures, consider pruning it in winter to encourage new growth and further develop the shape of the tree. Add organic fertilizer around the cherry tree in the summertime to encourage proper growth and development. And finally, don’t forget to provide appropriate pest control to keep away hungry critters!
Additional Tips for Growing a Cherry Tree from the Pit
When looking to grow a cherry tree from the pit, there are several additional tips worth bearing in mind. For starters, you should plan to plant more than one cherry tree in your garden if you require a significant number of fruits. This is because cherry trees have separate male and female plants; without the former, the latter will not produce fruits.
It is also important to note that planting a cherry tree from a pit could take as long as four years. As such, it can take a considerable amount of time and effort before you have a fully-grown cherry tree in your garden. Therefore, it is best to remain patient, give the cherry tree regular attention, and focus on the long-term goal.
Pest Control
As with most types of plant, cherry trees need to be carefully monitored to protect against pests. In fact, certain kinds of caterpillars can be particularly damaging for cherry trees – as can a cherry fruit fly, which lays its eggs on the fruit. As such, you must remain vigilant and use an appropriate form of pest control, such as chemical sprays or natural insecticides, should any pests appear.
Frost Protection
Cherry trees will also need protection from frost during the winter months, as the blossoms can easily be damaged by subzero temperatures. Advice from experts suggests that the best protection is to cover the tree with newspaper or bed sheets in the evenings and early mornings, ensuring that the blankets reach all the way to the ground. Furthermore, applying a layer of mulch around the trunk of the tree can help the roots stay warm.
Harvest Carefully
Finally, when harvesting your cherries, it is important to do so carefully. Avoid picking the fruit by pulling at it, as this can damage the stem of the tree and affect its ability to bear fruit in the future. Instead, use a knife or shears to carefully cut the stem, being careful not to damage the surrounding foliage or the tree itself.
