Can You Plant a Cherry Seed and Grow a Tree?

Many people love to eat cherries, and some may wonder whether they can grow their own cherry trees from the seeds. The short answer is yes, you can plant a cherry seed and grow a tree. However, it's essential to understand that growing a cherry tree from a seed is a long and challenging process that requires patience and perseverance.

Choosing the Right Cherry Seed

The first step towards growing a healthy cherry tree is choosing the right type of cherry seed. Although cherry trees come in different varieties, not all seeds are suitable for planting. You should look for seeds from a mature, healthy cherry tree that has produced high-quality fruit.

It's also crucial to ensure that the cherry you're using is a sour cherry, also known as a tart cherry. Sweet cherries, on the other hand, require cross-pollination from other fruit trees, and the resulting seed may not produce the same quality fruit as its parent. Sour cherries, however, are self-pollinating, and the seedlings are typically true to their parent's characteristics.

Preparing the Cherry Seed for Planting

Once you've chosen the right cherry seed, the next step is to prepare it for planting. The first thing you should do is remove the fleshy pulp surrounding the seed. You can do this by putting the cherry in your mouth and sucking off the flesh or using a knife to scrape it off carefully.

After removing the pulp, you should thoroughly wash and air-dry the seed. It's essential to ensure that the seed is completely dry before planting it as excess moisture can cause it to rot.

Planting the Cherry Seed

Now that your cherry seed is ready, it's time to plant it. You should start by selecting a location that receives plenty of sunlight, has well-draining soil, and is protected from strong winds.

Next, dig a hole in the soil and plant the cherry seed about two inches deep. Cover the hole with soil and water the seed thoroughly. From here, you'll need to water the seed regularly, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

Caring for the Cherry Seedling

The first few months after planting the cherry seed are crucial to the plant's survival. During this period, you'll need to care for the seedling carefully. This includes providing it with adequate water, enough sunlight, and protection from pests and diseases.

As the cherry seedling grows, you should fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year. You should also prune the tree regularly to promote healthy growth and remove any dead or diseased branches.

Waiting for the Cherry Tree to Bear Fruit

Growing a cherry tree from a seed is a long and challenging process that requires years of patience. It can take up to seven years before your cherry tree starts producing fruit, and even then, the quality and quantity of the fruit may not be the same as that of its parent.

However, if you're willing to put in the effort, you can grow a healthy cherry tree from a seed and enjoy the fruits of your labor for many years to come.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can plant a cherry seed and grow a tree, but it's essential to choose the right type of cherry seed, prepare it adequately, and care for the seedling carefully. Growing a cherry tree from a seed is a labor-intensive process that requires patience and perseverance, but the rewards are well worth the effort.