Introduction
Harvesting sweet cherries is an incredibly rewarding experience and one that can be easily achieved with a bit of hard work, patience, and dedication. It all starts with growing a sweet cherry tree from seed, and producing a tree that can produce delicious, juicy sweetness. Sweet cherry trees, otherwise known as Prunus avium, are berry-producing trees that provide a sweet and rewarding harvest. Growing the sweet cherry tree from seed is the most economical way to get a good crop of sweet cherries and it can be a fairly simple process.
Earth
The first thing to keep in mind when attempting to grow a sweet cherry tree from seed is to pick the right kind of soil. Sweet cherry trees prefer soils that are slightly acidic and have plenty of essential nutrients present. Sandy and loamy soils are optimal for sweeter cherry harvest, as this allows plenty of drainage with their adequate nutrients. Aiming for pH levels around 6.0 to 6.7 is ideal and will expedite the growing process and encourage healthy growth.
Water
Watering the sweet cherry tree is essential to get a bumper crop of sweet cherries. Make sure to properly hydrate the tree at all stages of growth, especially during the first two months. After that, you can let the water tapering off as the tree matures. New young sweet cherry trees will require twice-weekly watering sessions, while more mature trees can get away with just one hydration session. Inadequate irrigation is a fatal flaw, as dehydrated trees will rarely recover and will most certainly lead to a lackluster harvest.
Soil Preparation, Planting and Fertilizing
Preparing the soil for the sweet cherry tree should begin about ten days before planting. Amending it with essential fertilizers and nutrients that are conducive to the growth of a sweet cherry tree is key. Organic fertilizers will provide the sweet cherry tree with a consistent and proper nutrition that can propel the growth and health of the tree. Planting the sweet cherry tree is best done in the morning, with soil that is cleaned of weeds and rocks. Properly burying the root and ensuring adequate spacing between sweet cherry trees is recommended to prevent overcrowding.
Weeding and Pruning
Weeding and pruning of the sweet cherry tree is necessary to regulate the tree’s growth and keep it sustained over the years. Try to weed as often as possible, as removing the pests and parasites from the sweet cherry tree will ensure its longevity. Pruning the tree can apply to removing dead branches and promoting healthier growing ones, especially in young sweet cherry trees. Don’t go overboard but by pruning cases where it is necessary for the sweet cherry tree’s health, you can ensure a better return.
Protection from Pests and Weather
In order to protect a sweet cherry tree’s health, it is important to note that its growth should be monitored for any signs of creatures or parasites that could be detrimental to its wellbeing. Sweet cherry trees are susceptible to aphids, mites, and the like, and so it would be wise to keep a lookout and remove any that you encounter. From a weather perspective, harsh cold and winds can be detrimental to the tree, so covering it if low temperatures are expected is recommended.
Harvest and Yield
Growing a sweet cherry tree from seeds can be quite a rewarding experience. As the tree reaches maturity, it will produce large enough fruit to be harvested. Pulling the cherries too early before they are ripe will lead to a non-sweet berry, so timing is an essential aspect. A full healthy harvest is expected within 4 years of planting the sweet cherry tree from seed. If the tree has been taken care of, a sweet and rewarding experience is in store.
Are Sweet Cherry Trees Worth It?
Growing a sweet cherry tree from seed is well worth the effort and dedication that it requires. The delicious cherry harvest and the experience of growing it from the ground up is incredibly rewarding. Sweet cherry trees require a lot of maintenance, but the results are worth it for those who put in the hard work. Investing in the tree, stocking it with essential nutrients, and providing it with regular hydration and pruning is just part of the process. Sweet cherry trees can produce nearly a ton of cherries per mature tree, leaving plenty to go around.
Which Seeds Should You Use?
When picking the perfect seeds for growing a sweet cherry tree, make sure to only purchase certified and genetically pure seeds. An heirloom variety of sweet cherry trees tend to produce the better harvest, as they are not as susceptible to disease as some of the popular hybrid varieties. Sweet cherry tree seeds can be bought online or directly from a nursery store, where experienced growers will be able to provide more detailed instructions on how to plant the seeds properly.
What are The Best Climate Conditions?
Growing a sweet cherry tree from seed should be done in warm and dry climates, where temperatures never drop below zero degrees Celsius. Sweet cherry trees, like most fruit and berry trees, are best grown in full sunlight, with even a few hours of shade spread out over the day. Inadequate amounts of sun can cause sweet cherry trees to produce fewer cherries and even sprout unpalatable fruits. Areas where cold weather persists for more than five days should be avoided as this could lead to a complete crop failure.
Conclusion – The Benefits
Growing a sweet cherry tree from seed is a great way to get a bumper crop of delicious, sweet berries. There is much joy in harvesting your own homegrown sweet cherries, and being able to share them with friends and family. As the yields are large and the process straightforward, growing a sweet cherry tree from seed is an incredibly rewarding experience. With proper care and maintenance, a sweet cherry tree can produce delicious fruits for many years to come.
