How to Plant Cherry Trees from Seeds

Cherry trees are beautiful and productive, providing sweet and juicy fruit for fresh eating, baking, and preserving. If you want to grow cherry trees in your yard or garden, you don't have to buy expensive saplings. Instead, you can plant cherry trees from seeds, which is a fun and rewarding project that yields great results. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to plant cherry trees from seeds:

Step 1: Collect Cherry Seeds

The first step in planting cherry trees from seeds is to collect the seeds. You can do this by picking ripe cherries or buying them from a store, farmer's market, or online seed supplier. Choose healthy and fresh cherries that are free from damage, cracks, or mold. Be sure to select the variety of cherries that you want to grow, as there are many types of cherries, such as sweet cherries, sour cherries, and ornamental cherries.

Step 2: Extract Cherry Seeds

Once you have collected the cherries, you need to extract the cherry seeds. To do this, you can use a sharp knife or a cherry pitter to remove the pit from the cherry. Make sure not to damage the seed inside the pit, which is the one you need to plant. You can also use your hands to crack the pit open, but be careful not to crush the seed.

Step 3: Prepare Cherry Seeds

After you have extracted the cherry seeds, you need to prepare them for planting. Rinse them in cold water to remove any leftover flesh or germs. Then, place them in a container of warm water and soak them for 24 to 48 hours. The soaking will soften the seed coat and help the seeds germinate faster. Change the water every 12 hours to prevent mold or bacterial growth.

Step 4: Plant Cherry Seeds

Now that your cherry seeds are ready, you can plant them in a pot, tray, or directly in the ground. Choose a well-draining and fertile soil that is rich in nutrients and organic matter. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Create a small hole in the soil, about 1 inch deep, and place the cherry seed inside it with the pointy end facing down. Cover the seed with soil and pat it gently to ensure good contact.

Step 5: Care for Cherry Seeds

Once you have planted the cherry seeds, you need to care for them properly to ensure their growth and survival. Keep the soil moist but not soaked, and avoid letting it dry out. Place the pot or tray in a warm and bright location, such as a windowsill or a greenhouse. Provide the seedlings with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Fertilize the soil with a balanced and organic fertilizer every two weeks, following the instructions on the package. Thin out the weaker and smaller seedlings to allow the stronger ones to thrive.

Step 6: Transplant Cherry Seedlings

After the cherry seedlings have grown to about 6 inches tall and developed a few leaves, you can transplant them to their permanent location, whether it is a garden bed or a larger pot. Select a sunny and sheltered spot that is protected from strong winds and frost. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the seedling. Gently remove the seedling from its container and loosen the roots. Place the seedling in the hole and fill it with soil, pressing down firmly. Water the seedling well and add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds.

Conclusion

Planting cherry trees from seeds is a simple and enjoyable process that anyone can do. With some basic tools, materials, and know-how, you can grow your own cherry trees from scratch and enjoy their fruits for years to come. Whether you want to plant sweet cherries, sour cherries, or decorative cherries, follow these steps and watch your seeds grow into beautiful and productive trees.