Growing cherry trees from seed requires understanding the specific biological needs of the cherry pit. Planting a seed directly into the ground is insufficient, as the seed contains a natural mechanism preventing it from sprouting before winter has passed. Successful germination requires careful timing and the simulation of a cold, moist winter period to signal the seed that spring has arrived. This initial preparation is necessary to break the seed’s dormancy and ready it for growth.
The Optimal Season for Starting Cherry Seeds
The decision of when to plant cherry seeds depends entirely on whether you choose a natural or artificial approach to the mandatory cold period. The most straightforward method is to plant the cleaned seeds directly outdoors in the late fall, typically around October or November. This timing allows the seeds to undergo natural cold stratification within the soil throughout the winter months, mimicking the conditions they would experience in the wild.
If you prefer more control, an artificial approach begins indoors in late winter or early spring. This involves starting the cold treatment in January or February, which ensures the seeds are ready to plant outdoors after the last frost of spring. This indoor method is particularly useful in regions with unpredictable or excessively harsh winter weather that might damage the seeds.
Simulating Winter Dormancy
Cherry seeds require a prolonged period of cold and moisture to break dormancy (cold stratification). This chilling requirement prevents the seed from germinating prematurely during a warm spell in the fall, which would lead to the seedling’s death once true winter temperatures arrive. The cold treatment must be conducted at temperatures consistently between 33 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit (0.5 to 5 degrees Celsius).
Before stratification can begin, the hard outer shell, or pit, must be thoroughly cleaned of all fruit pulp, as residual sugar can encourage mold growth. The cleaned seeds are then combined with a sterile, moisture-retentive medium, such as slightly damp peat moss, vermiculite, or a mix of sand and soil. The medium should be moist but never saturated, and this mixture is sealed inside a plastic bag or container and placed in a refrigerator.
The duration of this artificial winter typically lasts between 90 and 120 days, or three to five months, depending on the cherry variety. During this time, the seeds should be checked periodically to ensure the medium remains lightly moist and to guard against mold development. After the required cold period is complete, the seeds are ready to be moved to a warmer environment to trigger germination, simulating the arrival of spring. Some cherry varieties may also benefit from a short period of warm stratification prior to the cold treatment, further increasing the germination rate.
Transitioning Stratified Seeds to Soil
Once the cold stratification period is complete, the seeds are physiologically ready to sprout and should be planted promptly. They can be planted in small pots indoors to give them a head start, or directly into a prepared garden spot after the last predicted frost. If planting in containers, use a well-draining potting soil mix, as cherry seedlings are susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions.
The ideal planting depth is shallow, generally about one inch below the soil surface. Plant the seeds in a location that will receive full sunlight for at least six to eight hours each day, as young seedlings require ample light for strong, healthy growth. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not overly wet, particularly during the initial weeks of germination.
If you started the seeds indoors, the seedlings should be gradually introduced to outdoor conditions, a process known as hardening off, before being transplanted into their permanent location. Once transplanted, applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the young tree helps to regulate soil temperature and retain necessary moisture. Protecting the vulnerable seedlings from pests and rodents during their first year ensures survival.
Understanding the Outcome of Growing from Seed
A significant factor to consider when growing cherry trees from seed is that the resulting tree will not necessarily produce the same fruit as its parent. Due to cross-pollination and genetic variation, the seeds are a genetic mix, meaning the fruit from the new tree may differ in size, flavor, and quality from the original cherry. This genetic inconsistency is why commercial growers use grafting to ensure a predictable outcome.
The second consideration is the substantial time commitment required before the tree yields a harvest. Cherry trees grown from seed typically take a long time to mature enough to bear fruit, often requiring five to ten years. Sweet cherry varieties often take slightly longer than tart varieties, which may begin fruiting slightly sooner.