How to Plant a Cherry Tree from Pit

Cherry trees are a beautiful addition to any garden. They bloom with pink or white flowers in the spring, and their fruit is delicious when ripe. While you can purchase cherry trees from a nursery, planting a cherry tree from a pit is a more inexpensive and rewarding option. Here's how you can do it.

Choosing the Right Cherry Pit

The first step in planting a cherry tree from a pit is to choose the right cherry pit. The best way to do this is to purchase fresh cherries from the grocery store or farmers' market. Look for cherries that are plump and ripe. The pit should be dark brown and hard.

Once you have your cherries, remove the pits by gently cutting around the fruit with a sharp knife. The pit should be easy to remove, and should look smooth and shiny. Avoid using pits from cherries that have been frozen or heated, as they may not be viable for planting.

Preparing the Cherry Pit for Planting

Once you have your cherry pit, it's time to prepare it for planting. Start by cleaning the pit with water to remove any excess fruit, and let it dry for a few days. You can also soak the pit in water for 12-24 hours to improve its chances of sprouting.

Next, you'll need to crack the pit open. You can do this by using a nutcracker, pliers, or a hammer. Be careful not to crack the inner kernel, as this is where the tiny tree embryo is located. Once you have cracked the pit, remove the inner kernel.

Planting Your Cherry Tree

Now that your cherry pit is prepared, it's time to plant it. Choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. Dig a small hole about 2-3 inches deep, and place the cherry pit, kernel-side down, in the hole. Cover it with soil, water it gently, and mark the spot with a plant marker or stick.

Keep the soil moist by watering regularly, but be careful not to overwater, as this can cause the pit to rot. It may take several weeks or even months for the cherry pit to sprout, so be patient. Once it does sprout, continue to water it regularly and protect it from pests such as rabbits and deer.

Caring for Your Cherry Tree

As your cherry tree grows, it will need regular care and maintenance. Prune the tree in the winter to remove dead or diseased branches and to maintain its shape. Fertilize it in the spring with a balanced fertilizer, and continue to water it regularly throughout the growing season.

When the cherries begin to ripen, you can harvest them by gently pulling them off the tree. Be sure to pick them before they become too ripe to prevent them from falling off the tree and attracting pests.

Conclusion

Planting a cherry tree from a pit is a fun and rewarding gardening project. With a little patience and care, you can grow a beautiful cherry tree that will provide you with delicious fruit for years to come.