It is possible to grow a cherry tree from a pit, provided you commit to a multi-year project requiring careful timing and preparation. This process mimics the natural cycle a seed undergoes in the wild. While patience is needed for the tree to mature and potentially bear fruit, successfully sprouting a cherry pit into a young tree is an achievable goal for any home gardener.
Understanding the Genetics of Cherry Seeds
Cherry varieties eaten today are typically complex hybrids. This means the seed produced through sexual reproduction will not grow into a tree identical to its parent, a phenomenon often called not growing “true to seed.” The seed contains genetic information from both the mother tree and a pollen-donating father tree, resulting in a unique genetic combination. The resulting plant is called a seedling tree.
The fruit from a seedling tree will almost certainly differ from the parent cherry, frequently being smaller, less flavorful, or even unsuitable for eating. Commercial orchards bypass this genetic lottery by using grafting, a form of asexual reproduction. Grafting involves attaching a cutting (scion) from a tree with desirable fruit characteristics onto a hardy rootstock. This ensures the resulting tree produces the exact, predictable fruit of the scion parent. Growing from a pit, however, allows for an unpredictable experiment that could potentially yield a unique new cherry variety.
The Essential Step of Cold Stratification
Cherry pits are protected by a hard outer shell and contain natural chemical inhibitors that prevent them from sprouting prematurely. To germinate, the seed must undergo a period of cold and moisture that mimics a winter season, a process known as cold stratification. This chilling period breaks the seed’s dormancy and softens the protective shell.
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the pits to remove all traces of fruit pulp, which can lead to mold growth during storage. A quick rinse followed by a light scrub and a few days of air-drying is recommended. Next, place the dried pits in a sealable plastic bag with a slightly damp medium, such as peat moss, vermiculite, or a paper towel. The medium should be moist but not soaking wet.
Seal the bag, label it with the date, and place it in a refrigerator where the temperature consistently stays between 33 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit. The duration for sweet and sour cherry pits is typically 10 to 12 weeks. It is important to avoid storing the pits near fruits like apples or bananas, as they release ethylene gas that can hinder germination. Check the bag periodically for signs of mold or premature sprouting, and ensure the medium remains slightly damp throughout the stratification period.
Planting Your Germinated Cherry Pit
Once the chilling period is complete, or if a small root has emerged, the pit is ready for planting. Use a small container, approximately four to six inches deep, filled with a well-draining, standard potting mix. Plant the pit about one inch deep in the soil.
Place the pot in a warm location that receives bright, indirect light, such as a sunny windowsill. Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy, as excess water can lead to rot in the delicate new root. Germination can take a few weeks to several months.
When the young seedling reaches a height of eight to twelve inches, it is ready to transition outdoors. Before permanently planting it after the last expected frost, acclimate the sprout to outdoor conditions. Gradually increase its exposure to direct sun and wind over a two-week period. Choose a final planting site that receives full sun and has well-draining soil, ensuring the tree is protected from pests and spaced appropriately.