How to Plant Cherry Trees from Pits

Introduction

Cherry trees are a beautiful addition to any garden or orchard. While buying saplings can be expensive, planting cherry trees from pits is a cost-effective way to grow your own trees. While it may take several years before your trees bear fruit, the process is simple and anyone can do it.

Step 1: Harvesting the Pits

The first step in planting cherry trees from pits is to harvest ripe cherries. When the cherries are ripe, they should easily come off the tree with a gentle tug. Once you have collected the ripe cherries, remove the pits by cutting the fruit in half and removing the pit. Rinse the pits with water.

Step 2: Preparing the Pits

Next, you need to prepare the pits for planting. You can do this by soaking the pits in a bowl of water for 24 hours. This helps to soften the outer shell of the pit, making it easier for the seed to germinate. After soaking the pits, use a pair of pliers to crack the shells open. Do not remove the seed from the pit.

Step 3: Planting the Pits

Once the pits have been prepared, it's time to plant them. Choose a location that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole that's three to four inches deep and place the pit in the hole with the pointy end facing up. Water the soil lightly and cover the pit with soil. Make sure the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged.

Step 4: Caring for Your Trees

After planting the cherry pits, it will take several years before they start to bear fruit. During this time, it's important to care for them properly. Make sure to water the trees regularly, especially during dry periods. Fertilize the trees once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Prune the trees in the dormant season to remove any dead or diseased wood and to shape the tree.

Step 5: Harvesting Your Fruit

Once your cherry trees are mature and start to bear fruit, it's important to harvest the fruit properly. Pick cherries when they are fully ripe and have a shiny, plump appearance. Hold the cherry gently and twist it slightly to remove it from the tree. Do not pull the cherry from the tree as it may damage the branch.

Conclusion

Planting cherry trees from pits is a fun and rewarding process. While it may take several years to see the fruits of your labor, it's well worth the wait. With proper care, your cherry trees will provide you with delicious fruit for years to come.