How to Grow a Cherry Plant From Seeds?
Growing a cherry tree from seed is a time-consuming but rewarding process, requiring patience and careful attention to detail involving cold stratification and proper germination techniques to successfully nurture a seedling into a mature, fruit-bearing tree.
Introduction: The Allure of Cherry Blossoms and Beyond
Cherries, with their vibrant blossoms and sweet, juicy fruit, have captivated hearts and palates for centuries. While most commercial cherry orchards rely on grafting to ensure desired fruit characteristics and faster yields, growing a cherry tree from seed offers a unique and deeply satisfying experience. It’s a journey that connects you to the natural world, allowing you to witness the miracle of life unfolding from a tiny seed to a potentially towering tree. Beyond the simple pleasure of cultivation, growing from seed provides a greater understanding of the plant’s lifecycle and can lead to unique variations not found in commercially available varieties.
Benefits of Growing Cherry Trees From Seed
While slower than grafting, starting from seed offers several advantages:
- Genetic Diversity: Seeds produce trees with unique genetic traits, potentially resulting in new and interesting cherry varieties.
- Cost-Effective: Seeds are often less expensive than grafted saplings, especially if you harvest them from existing cherry trees.
- Educational Experience: The process provides invaluable hands-on experience in plant propagation and horticulture.
- Rootstock Resilience: Seed-grown trees often develop stronger, more adaptable root systems.
The Cherry Seed Stratification Process: Mimicking Winter
One of the most crucial steps in growing a cherry tree from seed is cold stratification. This process mimics the natural winter conditions that the seed would experience in the wild, breaking its dormancy and preparing it for germination.
- Seed Collection: Obtain seeds from ripe, healthy cherries. Wild cherries often offer better germination rates than cultivated varieties. Thoroughly clean the seeds of all pulp.
- Preparation: Place the cleaned seeds in a container filled with slightly moistened peat moss or vermiculite. The medium should be damp, but not soggy.
- Cold Storage: Seal the container in a plastic bag and place it in the refrigerator (ideally between 33°F and 41°F, or 0.5°C and 5°C) for 90-120 days. Monitor regularly to ensure the medium remains moist.
- Checking Germination: After the stratification period, check for signs of germination. Some seeds may sprout in the refrigerator.
Germinating Cherry Seeds: Awakening to Life
Once the stratification period is complete, it’s time to encourage germination.
- Planting Medium: Prepare a well-draining potting mix. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite works well.
- Sowing the Seeds: Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep in small pots or seed trays.
- Watering: Water gently but thoroughly, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Warm Environment: Place the pots in a warm, sunny location (around 70-75°F or 21-24°C). A greenhouse or sunny windowsill is ideal.
- Patience is Key: Germination can take several weeks, so be patient. Keep the soil consistently moist and monitor for seedlings.
Nurturing Cherry Seedlings: From Sprout to Sapling
Once the seedlings emerge, provide them with proper care to ensure healthy growth.
- Light: Provide ample sunlight or supplement with grow lights.
- Watering: Water regularly, allowing the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength.
- Transplanting: When the seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves, transplant them into larger pots.
- Hardening Off: Before planting outdoors, gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions over a period of 1-2 weeks.
Planting Cherry Trees: Setting the Stage for the Future
Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Cherry trees prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-7.0).
- Soil Preparation: Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
- Planting: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
- Spacing: Space cherry trees at least 20-25 feet apart to allow for adequate growth.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Insufficient Stratification: Not chilling the seeds long enough is a common mistake. Ensure the full 90-120 day period is followed.
- Overwatering: Overwatering can lead to root rot. Use well-draining soil and allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings.
- Lack of Sunlight: Seedlings need ample sunlight. Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day or supplement with grow lights.
- Poor Soil Drainage: Cherry trees prefer well-drained soil. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or other organic matter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will the cherry tree grown from seed produce the same type of cherries as the parent tree?
No, cherry trees grown from seed will likely produce cherries that are different from the parent tree. This is because cherries are often hybrids, and seeds inherit a mix of genetic traits. You may end up with a cherry variety that is similar, better, or worse than the parent.
2. How long does it take for a cherry tree grown from seed to produce fruit?
It typically takes 4-7 years for a cherry tree grown from seed to begin producing fruit. This is significantly longer than grafted trees, which may produce fruit in 2-3 years.
3. Can I use cherry pits from store-bought cherries to grow a tree?
Yes, you can use cherry pits from store-bought cherries, but success is not guaranteed. Many commercially grown cherries are hybrids, and the resulting tree may not produce desirable fruit. Wild cherry varieties tend to have higher germination rates and potentially hardier offspring.
4. What is the best time of year to collect cherry seeds?
The best time to collect cherry seeds is in the late summer or early fall, when the cherries are fully ripe.
5. Do I need to scarify the cherry seeds before stratification?
Scarification (lightly scratching the seed coat) is generally not necessary for cherry seeds. The stratification process typically softens the seed coat enough to allow for germination.
6. How do I know if the cherry seeds are viable?
You can perform a float test to check seed viability. Place the seeds in a bowl of water. Seeds that sink are more likely to be viable, while seeds that float are often not. However, this test is not 100% accurate.
7. What type of soil is best for growing cherry trees?
Cherry trees prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
8. How much sunlight do cherry trees need?
Cherry trees need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.
9. How often should I water my cherry tree?
Water your cherry tree regularly, especially during dry periods. Allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
10. What are some common pests and diseases that affect cherry trees?
Common pests include aphids, cherry fruit flies, and spider mites. Common diseases include brown rot, cherry leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
11. How can I protect my cherry tree from pests and diseases?
Use organic pest control methods such as insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ensure good air circulation and prune regularly to remove any diseased or damaged branches. Applying dormant oil in the late winter can also help prevent pest infestations.
12. How can I ensure pollination for my cherry tree?
Self-pollination is not always guaranteed with cherry trees. Some varieties require a compatible pollinator tree nearby to produce fruit. Research your cherry variety to determine if a pollinator is needed and plant a compatible tree nearby. Bees and other pollinators play a vital role in fruit production, so encourage their presence in your garden.