Growing cherries from seed can be a fun and rewarding way to add a beautiful cherry tree to your garden. In this guide, you’ll learn how to grow cherries from seed, how to care for a cherry tree, and even how to grow ground cherries. We’ll also cover how to grow a cherry tree from a cherry, and answer common questions like how fast does a cherry tree grow and cherry seed how to plant. How to Grow Peach Tree from Seed here!
How to Start a Cherry Tree from Seed
Growing a cherry tree from seed takes some time and preparation, but it’s a great project if you’re up for the challenge.
Step 1: Collecting and Preparing the Seeds
To start, you’ll need fresh cherry seeds:
- Choose the Cherries: Select cherries from a local orchard or market. Keep in mind that the best results come from cherries grown in your region’s climate.
- Remove the Seeds: Eat the cherries or remove the pits carefully, then clean them thoroughly to remove any remaining fruit.
Step 2: Stratification (Cold Treatment)
Cherry seeds need a period of cold dormancy (called stratification) before they will sprout.
- Clean the Seeds: After removing the pits, wash them under cool water and let them dry for a few hours.
- Refrigerate the Seeds: Place the clean seeds in a damp paper towel, and store them in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for about 10-12 weeks. This simulates winter conditions.
- Check for Germination: After 10-12 weeks, check the seeds for signs of sprouting. If they begin to sprout, they are ready for planting.
Step 3: Planting the Seeds
Here’s how to plant a cherry seed:
- Prepare the Soil: Choose a pot with well-draining soil. A good mix is one part compost and one part sand or perlite.
- Plant the Seeds: Plant the cherry seeds about 2 cm (¾ inch) deep in the soil. Water the soil well and place the pot in a sunny spot.
- Germination: It may take several weeks to months for the seed to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and be patient as cherry trees grow slowly in their early stages.
How to Grow a Cherry Tree from a Cherry
If you want to try growing a cherry tree directly from a cherry, the process is very similar to growing from seeds:
- Select Organic Cherries: Choose cherries that are organic to avoid chemicals that could prevent seed germination.
- Follow the Stratification Process: Clean the pits and follow the cold stratification process as described above.
- Plant the Pits: After stratification, plant the cherry pits in pots with well-draining soil. Keep them in a sunny, warm location, and water regularly.
How Fast Does a Cherry Tree Grow?
Cherry trees grow at a moderate pace. A seed-grown cherry tree can take anywhere from 7 to 10 years to produce fruit, though grafted trees (those purchased from nurseries) often start producing cherries in as little as 3 to 5 years.
Factors Affecting Growth Rate:
- Soil and Climate: Cherry trees grow best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with plenty of sunlight.
- Watering: Regular watering, especially in the early years, helps the tree establish strong roots.
- Pruning: Pruning your cherry tree can encourage faster growth and a healthier structure, as it directs energy to essential branches.
How to Care for a Cherry Tree
Once your cherry tree is planted, proper care is essential for healthy growth and fruit production.
Step 1: Sunlight
Cherry trees thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Step 2: Watering
Water the tree regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. It’s important to maintain consistently moist, but not soggy, soil.
Step 3: Fertilizing
Fertilize your cherry tree with a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. Use a fertilizer designed for fruit trees to provide the necessary nutrients for fruit production.
Step 4: Pruning
Prune cherry trees annually to maintain their shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. Proper pruning helps increase airflow and sunlight penetration, leading to better fruit development.
How to Grow Ground Cherries
Ground cherries (Physalis) are a close relative of tomatoes and grow similarly to cherry trees but are much smaller and easier to cultivate.
Step 1: Start from Seeds
Ground cherries can be grown from seeds indoors in pots about 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Plant the seeds in a seed-starting mix, cover lightly, and keep the soil moist until they germinate.
Step 2: Transplanting
After the last frost, transplant the seedlings outdoors into well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight.
Step 3: Care
Water ground cherries regularly, but avoid waterlogged soil. Ground cherries are relatively low-maintenance and can produce fruit within a few months of planting.
Conclusion
Learning how to grow cherries from seed is a rewarding project that requires patience, but with the right steps, you can enjoy your very own cherry tree in your garden. From stratifying the seeds to proper planting and care, the process can take time, but the results are worth it. Additionally, if you’re interested in expanding your garden, learning how to grow ground cherries provides a quicker-growing alternative with equally delicious fruit. With the proper care, your cherry tree will grow and bear fruit for years to come!