Most people dream of one day having a backyard orchard full of lush fruit trees. Growing your own favorite fruits from trees you planted, cared for and harvested yourself can be a rewarding experience. An unfortunate reality is that not everybody has the luxury of lots of backyard space or the patience required to start from seed or sapling. Popular lore suggests you can plant cherry pits and grow your own orchard, but can it really be done?
Will a cherry pit really grow a tree? At first glance, it seems like an attractive proposition. After all, many plants such as sweet potatoes, peppers, and bananas can be grown from cuttings with just a few simple details to look after. So, why not the same with a cherry pit? It’s a legitimate question, and before attempting the experiment, it’s important to get the facts straight.
Although cherry pits can usually be germinated, the trees they produce are often not the same variety as the pit from which they sprang. That’s because, as a tree species, cherries reproduce by clones and don’t grow as a hybrid of multiple parent plants. So, when a cherry pit is planted in a proper, warm environment and germinated, it will often produce a tree of its own variety, but it won’t be a hybrid of the parent plant.
Experts in the field of botany debated on the topic for centuries, but recent research has gone a long way towards clarifying the matter. Professor Mark Winslow is a leading scientist in the field who has studied the matter in depth. According to him, it is possible to grow a cherry tree from a cherry pit, but the odds aren’t great. Winslow notes that the biggest challenge is in obtaining the right environment for the pit to germinate. In addition to providing a warm, dry environment, the right amount of moisture, and the right location for the pit to grow, the pit must still receive enough sunlight for it to germinate.
The most commonly accepted method to grow a cherry tree from a cherry pit is to submerge the pit in water for a few days and then place it in a moist mixture until it sprouts. After this, the pit can be moved outdoors and put in an area where it can receive good sunlight. When the seedling is large enough, it can be transplanted into an outdoor garden. Transplanting is key, as it helps ensure that the tree will have enough nutrients and water to thrive in its new environment.
When all of the right conditions are met, it is possible for a cherry pit to become a cherry tree. The process itself is not difficult, but it is time consuming and requires knowledge and patience. There are no guarantees with this type of endeavor, but with proper care and attention the rewards of growing fruit from a cherry pit can be great.
Nutrition
Although cherries may appear to be fragile fruits, they are actually nutritional powerhouses. Tiny but mighty, cherries contain a wealth of vitamins and minerals, known collectively as micronutrients. The health benefits of cherries come from the flavonoids, anthocyanins, and other phytonutrients found in the fruit’s flesh and skin. While cherries are chock full of healthy nutrients, the pit or stone does not contain the same benefits.
The pits do contain a variety of antioxidants, but the amount of these antioxidants is not enough to make them beneficial to human health. Ellagic acid, a polyphenol found in cherries, is able to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. This acid, however, is not present in cherry pits. The same goes for quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that helps guard against inflammation.
The nutritional value of cherries makes them a fantastic addition to any diet. The healthy dose of antioxidants and nutrients found in the flesh of cherries can protect against various health issues such as heart attack, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. While the pits may not provide the same nutritional benefits that the cherries themselves do, they can still be a useful part of gardening and nature education.
Environmental Benefits
Planting cherry pits can also be a great way to strengthen the roots of nature and promote tree growth. Cherry trees are a great source of oxygen, and planting cherry pits also helps promote biodiversity. By planting cherry pits, you can add to the existing number of cherry trees, which provides a habitat for various species of birds and insects.
By providing a nurturing environment for the growth of cherry trees, you can also ensure that the fruits of these trees will be available in the future. Not only will the new trees serve as a valuable source of fresh fruit, but they may even be able to help support neighboring tree populations.
Planting cherry pits can also be beneficial to the environment. Cherry trees can serve as windbreaks, as they effectively reduce wind speeds in the surroundings. By planting cherry pits, you can help reduce air pollution in your region.
Planting cherry pits can also help in water retention, as the roots of the cherry tree help to capture and trap water in the soil. This helps reduce runoff and can even protect against floods by allowing the soil to absorb more of the rainwater. This ensures that the ground water remains healthy and safe.
The Progression of a Cherry Tree
From a single cherry pit, a brand-new tree can be born and allowed to blossom. In order to germinate, a cherry pit needs a period of cold stratification over the winter. This is followed by a period of warm stratification in the early spring. After this process, the cherry pit is ready to be planted in a permanent growing location.
Once it’s planted, a cherry tree will go through several stages of development. During the first year, it should be watered and fertilized, and the area should be kept weeded. After one year, the cherry tree will start to break dormancy and reach heights of up to three feet in just a few years. After reaching this size, the tree will begin to bear fruit and will eventually reach a mature height of up to 25 feet.
At this point, the cherry tree is ready to bear fruit. A typical cherry tree will produce 1,000 to 3,000 cherries per season, though this can depend on various factors, such as the species of cherry or the climate in which it is grown. With proper care, the average cherry tree can last up to 80 years and continue to provide fruit for many, many lifetimes.
Landscape Benefits
Another benefit of planting cherry pits is the aesthetic value they provide. Cherry trees are some of the most beautiful fruit trees. Their bright, radiant branches and glossy leaves provide a stunning backdrop to a backyard area and can make an outdoor space look much more inviting and vibrant.
The blooming of cherry trees in the spring is a real treat. The white, pink, and even yellow flowers of the cherry trees carpet the ground with an air of serenity, which can add a sense of peace and tranquility to any outdoor area. Cherry tree shades can offer much-needed respite during a hot summer day, and the leaves that turn a golden color in the fall can provide a breathtaking view.
Furthermore, cherry trees can also provide much needed shade to a hot backyard area. Not only do they provide a pleasant ambience, they also act as natural air conditioners, keeping your outdoor area cooler during the summer months. As a bonus, the leaves of a cherry tree can be used to make a natural mulch, which can help keep weed growth under control.
Insects
Cherry trees are highly sought after due to their tasty fruit, but they offer much more than just a tasty treat. Cherry trees provide pollen and nectar for necessary pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They attract various insects and birds, thus acting as a source of food for them.
Insects also love to munch on the soft and succulent fruit of cherry trees. Their small size makes them perfect for pests like aphids, caterpillars, and moths. However, the presence of beneficial insects, like ladybugs and lacewings, will naturally deter these harmful pest species.
Not to mention, the bark of cherry trees is often heavily colonized by various fungi, which is essential for the health of the tree. Fungi are an important component of the tree’s root system, as they enable the tree to effectively store and take up water. They also help break down organic matter, adding nutrients to the soil surrounding the tree.
Conclusion
Growing a cherry tree from a pit is no easy feat, but it’s not entirely impossible either. With the right conditions, care and patience, a single cherry pit can yield some amazing results, providing you with a bounty of fresh and delicious cherries. Cherries not only taste great, but they can also provide health and environmental benefits, along with adding beauty to your outdoor area.
