Will Store-Bought Cherry Seeds Grow? Unveiling the Secrets of Cherry Germination
The answer is a tentative yes, but with significant caveats. Store-bought cherry seeds can grow, but success is far from guaranteed and requires specific pre-treatment and ideal conditions to overcome dormancy and ensure germination.
Introduction: The Allure of Growing Your Own Cherries
There’s a certain satisfaction in growing your own food, and cherries, with their vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor, are particularly appealing. The idea of simply extracting seeds from a store-bought cherry and planting them to yield a bountiful tree is tempting. However, the reality of cherry propagation is more complex than many home gardeners realize. While technically possible, successfully germinating cherry seeds from store-bought fruit requires understanding the seeds’ dormancy requirements and taking specific steps to improve your chances of success. Factors like cultivar type, seed handling during processing, and the specific storage conditions all play a crucial role.
The Dormancy Dilemma: Understanding Cherry Seeds
Cherry seeds, like many fruit tree seeds, possess a natural dormancy mechanism. This prevents them from germinating prematurely, ensuring they sprout under favorable conditions in the spring rather than during a harsh winter. To overcome this dormancy, cherry seeds require a period of cold stratification – exposure to cold, moist conditions for a specified duration. This process mimics winter, signaling to the seed that it’s time to begin growing.
Stratification: Mimicking Winter’s Chill
Stratification is the crucial step that mimics winter and breaks the dormancy of cherry seeds. Without proper stratification, the seeds will remain dormant and fail to germinate, regardless of how carefully they are planted. The duration and temperature for stratification vary slightly depending on the cherry variety, but a general guideline is:
- Temperature: 33°F to 41°F (1°C to 5°C). A refrigerator works perfectly for this.
- Duration: 90 to 120 days.
The Stratification Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Successfully stratifying cherry seeds involves careful preparation and monitoring. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Collect the Seeds: Thoroughly clean the cherry pits, removing any residual flesh.
- Prepare Stratification Medium: Use a slightly moistened medium such as peat moss, vermiculite, or paper towels. The medium should be moist but not soggy.
- Combine Seeds and Medium: Place the cherry pits in a ziplock bag with the moist stratification medium.
- Refrigerate: Store the bag in the refrigerator at the recommended temperature for the specified duration (90-120 days).
- Monitor Moisture: Periodically check the bag to ensure the medium remains moist. Add a few drops of water if needed.
- Check for Germination: After the stratification period, inspect the seeds for signs of germination. Some may start to sprout in the bag.
Planting and Germination: From Seed to Seedling
Once the seeds have been stratified, they are ready for planting. Choose a well-draining potting mix and plant the seeds about 1 inch deep. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide adequate light and warmth to encourage germination.
- Potting Mix: Well-draining potting mix is essential.
- Planting Depth: 1 inch deep.
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Temperature: Around 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Challenges and Considerations: What to Expect
Even with proper stratification and planting, there are several challenges to consider:
- Hybridization: Store-bought cherries are often hybrids, meaning the seeds may not produce trees that are identical to the parent fruit. The resulting fruit may have different characteristics, such as size, flavor, or color.
- Rootstock Compatibility: Cherry trees are often grafted onto specific rootstocks to control size and disease resistance. Seeds from store-bought cherries will not possess the characteristics of the desired rootstock.
- Low Germination Rate: The germination rate of cherry seeds can be unpredictable, even under ideal conditions. Don’t be discouraged if only a small percentage of the seeds sprout.
- Disease Susceptibility: Seedlings grown from store-bought cherries may be more susceptible to diseases and pests compared to grafted trees.
- Long Time to Fruiting: Seed-grown cherry trees can take several years (5-10 years) to begin producing fruit, compared to grafted trees which often bear fruit much sooner.
Alternatives to Seed Propagation: Grafting for Guaranteed Results
Grafting is a more reliable method of cherry tree propagation. It involves joining a scion (a cutting from a desired cherry variety) onto a rootstock (the base of the tree). This method ensures that the resulting tree will produce fruit that is identical to the parent tree and benefits from the characteristics of the chosen rootstock. While more complex than seed propagation, grafting offers a significantly higher success rate and faster fruiting.
Understanding Cherry Varieties: Sweet vs. Tart
The type of cherry (sweet or tart) also influences the success of seed propagation. Sweet cherries are generally more difficult to grow from seed compared to tart cherries. Understanding the specific variety of cherry you are working with can help you adjust your approach and manage your expectations.
| Cherry Type | Germination Rate (General) | Time to Fruiting (Seed-grown) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweet | Lower | Longer | Often requires more specific conditions; hybridization is common. |
| Tart | Higher | Shorter | Generally more forgiving; seedlings may still vary in characteristics. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Setting Yourself Up for Success
Avoiding common mistakes can significantly improve your chances of successfully germinating cherry seeds:
- Incorrect Stratification: Not stratifying the seeds long enough or at the correct temperature.
- Poor Drainage: Planting seeds in soil that is waterlogged, leading to rot.
- Insufficient Light: Not providing adequate light for the seedlings after germination.
- Ignoring Pests and Diseases: Failing to monitor seedlings for signs of pests or diseases.
- Impatience: Expecting immediate results. Seed germination can be slow and requires patience.
Conclusion: A Rewarding (But Challenging) Endeavor
While growing cherry trees from store-bought seeds is possible, it requires diligent effort, patience, and a realistic understanding of the potential challenges. The unpredictable nature of seed propagation, the risk of hybridization, and the long time to fruiting mean that this method is best suited for experienced gardeners or those seeking a rewarding experiment. For those seeking guaranteed results and faster fruiting, grafting remains the preferred method for cherry tree propagation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will the cherry tree grown from seed produce the same fruit as the parent cherry?
No, it’s highly unlikely that the tree will produce identical fruit. Most store-bought cherries are hybrids, meaning the seeds will contain a mix of genetic traits. The resulting fruit may differ in taste, size, and color from the original cherry.
How long does it take for a cherry tree grown from seed to produce fruit?
Expect to wait several years, typically 5 to 10 years, for a cherry tree grown from seed to bear fruit. This is significantly longer than grafted trees, which often fruit within 3-5 years.
Can I use any type of soil for planting the cherry seeds?
No. Cherry seeds require well-draining soil to prevent rot. A potting mix specifically designed for seedlings is ideal. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much moisture.
What is the best time of year to plant cherry seeds after stratification?
The best time to plant cherry seeds after stratification is in the spring, after the risk of frost has passed. This allows the seedlings to establish themselves during the growing season.
How much sunlight do cherry seedlings need?
Cherry seedlings require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Provide bright, indirect light during the initial stages and gradually acclimate them to full sun.
How often should I water cherry seedlings?
Water cherry seedlings regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Check the soil moisture daily and water when the top inch feels dry.
Do I need to fertilize cherry seedlings?
Yes, but sparingly. Use a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can damage the seedlings.
What are some common pests and diseases that affect cherry seedlings?
Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and cherry slugs. Diseases include powdery mildew and leaf spot. Regularly inspect your seedlings and take appropriate action to control pests and diseases.
Can I grow a cherry tree from seed in a container?
Yes, initially. However, cherry trees can grow quite large, so you will eventually need to transplant the seedling into the ground or a very large container. Choose a dwarf variety if you plan to keep it in a container long-term.
Is it better to buy a grafted cherry tree instead of growing one from seed?
For most gardeners, yes, grafting is generally the better option. Grafted trees offer faster fruiting, guaranteed fruit quality, and disease resistance due to the rootstock used.
What is the best way to protect cherry seedlings from frost?
If a late frost is predicted, cover your cherry seedlings with a frost blanket or move them indoors temporarily. Young seedlings are particularly vulnerable to frost damage.
How do I know if my cherry seeds are viable?
A float test can offer a preliminary indication. Place the seeds in a bowl of water; those that sink are more likely to be viable, while those that float are less likely to germinate. However, this is not a guaranteed method. The best way to determine viability is to perform the stratification process and observe if germination occurs.