Cherry pits are the seeds of a cherry tree and the question of whether or not these pits can be planted and grown into a tree is one that many people have pondered. This article will explore the potential for cherry pits to become a fully grown cultivar, what’s involved should you decide to take this challenge, and any lingering risks and questions.
The process of growing a cherry tree from a pit is relatively straightforward and requires patience and care. Firstly, the pit needs to be removed from the fruit and thoroughly washed and dried before being placed in cool, dry conditions for a few days. This will enable the pit to harden and the outer layer to crack, allowing the seedling to emerge. Secondly, the pit should then be planted in a suitable medium such as soil, and watered enough to keep the soil moist but not saturated. It is also crucial to place the seedling in an area with plenty of exposure to sunlight.
Thirdly, once the seedling matures and is ready to be put in the ground, a nursery container of appropriate size can be used to hold the root system and provide support and stability. If you are planting the tree outdoors, it should be buried in an area that is well drained, sheltered from strong winds and has plenty of room for the tree to expand later in its life. Alternatively, some people opt to grow their cherry tree in a pot indoors, ensuring regular maintenance and pruning are kept up.
Depending on the variety of cherry, the tree may take several years before it grows to full size, with harvested fruit potentially being harvested within three to four years. While a cherry tree will produce fruits annually, the yield of the tree will vary depending on the type, climate and the amount of care that it is shown.
Experts also recommend supplementing the seeds with fertilizer and spraying and a winter protection spray, as well as taking the extra precautionary steps of protecting the seedling from heavy rain, severe drought, excessive heat, and extreme cold. This will help the tree grow healthy, increasing its chances of fruit production quickly.
In addition to the success rates being questioned, the amount of maintenance and drive necessary to complete such a task are also questioned. These elements needs to be taken into consideration, as growing a cherry tree may not be suitable nor viable for everyone who has the notion of growing one.
All that being said, with the right starter seed and the dedication necessary, the cherry pit will have the potential to turn into a gorgeous full-sized tree with the possibility of bearing fruit in the future.
Cost
The cost of actually growing and caring for a cherry tree is minimal for the most part, with most of the resources required for planting being available quite easily in your own garden. Of course, if you choose to buy or opt for a specialized pot, these additional costs will have to be taken into consideration.
In terms of tools and equipment, all that you need are a pair of pruning scissors and a hand trowel if planting in the ground. I would also recommend purchasing a spray bottle and some slow release fertilizer to add to the soil. All other materials you likely already have in hand.
Talk to an expert or a local nursery to find out the specific costs of whichever cultivar you decide to grow, as prices can vary significantly between different varieties.
Space
When it comes to the space required for planting a cherry tree, remember that geography will largely determine the size and shape of the tree. In other words, the cherry tree may adapt to your available space rather than you trying to provide the perfect environment for a certain cultivar.
Therefore, in order to ensure that your cultivar is able to thrive, it is important to think about how much room you have. Do you have a small, enclosed courtyard or are you lucky enough to have a large open space in your garden?
Failing to consider the space available for a cherry tree could result in the tree becoming too big and needing to be pruned back too severely, or too small and unable to thrive and reach its full potential.
Timeline
The timeline of a cherry tree can vary greatly depending on the variety, location and the amount of care and attention that the tree receives over its lifespan. However, the general expectation is that the seedling will take anywhere from one to three years to mature into a full-sized tree.
Once planted, it is important to make sure that it is regularly watered and kept free of pests, weeds and fungal diseases. If done correctly, the tree can then yield its first crops of cherries within three to four years. After this initial period, the amount of cherries produced should increase year on year.
Care and Maintenance
The most important aspect of caring for a cherry tree is to ensure that it is adequately pruned each year. All too often, a cherry tree will become too bushy and spreading and many of the new shoots that appear will require pruning in order to stimulate further fruit production.
As cherries are particular about their soil and fertility, you should pay special attention to the soil in this area, enriching it with fertilizer to provide essential nutrients and keep the tree healthy. You may also want to consider spraying the tree with a fungicide to protect it from any fungal diseases that may occur during the cherry-growing season.
If you have chosen to grow your cherry tree in a pot, then you need to water the tree regularly. The pot will also have to be inspected for any signs of pests and disease, and the root system will need to be regularly pruned and shaped. If the pot is placed outdoors, then it should also be given a winter protection spray.
Pollination
Cherry trees require cross-pollination in order to produce fruit, and as such, it is important to plant a second tree of the same cultivar or a different cultivar that is compatible with cherry trees nearby, as this will provide a more efficient system of pollination.
If no companion trees are planted, then the tree will be unable to reproduce. Natural pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, can also be attracted to the area through the planting of certain flowers or herbs. These will provide nectar, which is essential for the survival of pollination agents.
Harvesting
When it comes to harvesting your cherries, there are a few things that should be taken into consideration. The ripeness of a fruit is dependent on its variety, but most cherries should be harvested when their color has deepened and the fruit is slightly soft to the touch. That way, you can ensure that the fruit is fully ripe and of good quality at harvest.
It is also important to remember that purchasing a fruit picker is a worthwhile investment if you as it will make the process of harvesting the cherries much simpler and faster. When harvesting, you should also make sure that you pick each cherry slightly above the stem to avoid any damage to the bud or the branches of the tree. Once the cherries have been picked you should store them correctly in order to keep them fresh.
