How to Plant a Cherry Tree from a Pit

Cherry trees are prized for their beautiful blossoms and delicious fruit. While buying a sapling from a nursery is the easiest way to get started, growing a cherry tree from a pit can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here's how you can do it:

Gather the Materials

The first thing you need to do is gather the materials you'll need. You will need a fresh cherry pit, a quart-sized plastic bag, a paper towel, a pot that is at least six inches deep, and potting soil. You may also want to have a spray bottle filled with water to mist the soil.

Prep the Pit

Before planting the pit, you need to prepare it. Wash the cherry pit with water and use a paper towel to dry it. Next, use a nutcracker or pliers to crack the pit open. Be sure to not damage the seed inside. Finally, use a knife to scratch the seed's surface. This will help it absorb water and germinate more easily.

Plant the Seed

Fill your pot with potting soil, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Place the cherry seed in the middle of the pot, about an inch deep. Cover it with soil and water it gently until the soil is moist. If you have a spray bottle, mist the soil regularly to keep it moist. Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot and wait.

Care for the Seedling

Cherry seeds take time to germinate, so be patient. It can take several weeks or even a few months for the seed to sprout. Once the seedling appears, make sure it gets enough sunlight and water. Don't let the soil dry out completely, but don't let it become waterlogged either. As the seedling grows, you may need to transplant it into a larger pot to give it more room to grow.

Transplant the Seedling

Once your cherry seedling has grown to be several inches tall, it's time to transplant it into a larger pot or into your garden. If transplanting to a pot, choose a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and wide, with holes in the bottom for drainage. Fill the pot with potting soil and move the seedling, being careful not to damage its roots. If transplanting to your garden, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Plant the seedling in a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and at the same depth as it was in the pot.

Conclusion

Growing a cherry tree from a pit can be a fun and rewarding experience. With patience, care, and the right materials, you can have your very own cherry tree in your backyard. So why not give it a try?