How to Plant Weeping Cherry Tree Seeds
Weeping cherry trees are beautiful ornamentals that add stunning visual interest to any garden. These trees are particularly admired for their beautiful pink or white blossoms during springtime, but they can also enhance your garden's overall aesthetic all year round with their interesting architecture and beautiful foliage. While you can buy weeping cherry trees as seedlings or saplings, planting them from seeds is a great way to save money and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your tree from scratch. Here are some steps to guide you in planting weeping cherry tree seeds.
Getting Started
The first step is to find and gather the seeds. You can choose to harvest seeds from an existing weeping cherry tree or purchase them from a reputable seed supplier. Once you have the seeds, it's essential to prepare the soil and growing area. Weeping cherry trees thrive in well-draining soil that is enriched with organic matter. Ensure that there is enough space for the tree to grow, and the area gets at least eight hours of sunlight each day.
Planting the Seeds
The next step is planting the seeds. To start, soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting. This process helps to soften the hard seed coat and promotes better germination. Once the seeds have soaked, remove them from the water and allow them to dry before planting. We recommend sowing the seeds in the fall season, as this provides the necessary cold stratification period that signals the seeds to germinate during the following spring season.
Use a garden spade or shovel to dig a hole at least 2 inches in depth. Drop one seed in each of the holes and cover each hole with soil, ensuring that the seeds are covered with 1/2 inch of soil. Water the soil immediately after planting to ensure the seeds have the necessary moisture to initiate germination.
Caring for Your Seedlings
After planting the seeds, it will take some time before you start to see seedlings emerge from the soil. At this point, you want to ensure that the soil remains consistently moist until the seedlings are mature enough to tolerate the dryer soil conditions. A good way to keep the soil moist is by covering the soil with a light layer of mulch. The mulch helps to retain moisture and regulates the soil temperature.
Once the seedlings have developed roots and are a few inches tall, transplant them to their permanent home in your garden. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil, and dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball. Carefully remove the seedling from the soil and place it in the hole. Backfill with soil and water well. Ensure that you keep the soil moist until the seedlings are established and well-rooted.
In Conclusion
Planting weeping cherry tree seeds is a great way to add a touch of beauty and elegance to your garden. With the right preparation and care, you can grow your tree from the ground up and enjoy its beauty all year round. Remember to choose a well-draining site, use enriched soil, and provide the necessary care during the germination period, and you're sure to reap a bountiful harvest of gorgeous weeping cherry trees in your garden.