Growing a cherry tree from a pit is a rewarding way to create your own fruit tree from scratch. While it requires patience, the process is simple and offers the unique satisfaction of cultivating a cherry tree from seed to fruit-bearing maturity. In this guide, we’ll cover each step in growing a cherry tree from a pit, including seed preparation, planting, and long-term care.
Step 1: Selecting the Right Cherry Pit
The first step is to select and prepare cherry pits. You can use pits from cherries you buy at the store, but make sure you choose cherries from a variety that can grow in your climate.
1. Choose the Right Variety
Cherries come in two main types: sweet cherries (like Bing or Rainier) and sour cherries (like Montmorency). Select the right cherry variety based on your growing zone:
- Sweet Cherries: Best suited for warmer climates with milder winters.
- Sour Cherries: Better suited for cooler climates as they are more cold-tolerant and can survive frost.
2. Preparing the Cherry Pits
Once you have selected cherries from the appropriate variety, remove the pits and clean them thoroughly to prevent mold or fungal growth.
- Eat or Remove the Fruit: Enjoy the cherry fruit and save the pits.
- Rinse the Pits: Rinse the pits in cool water to remove any pulp or residue.
- Dry the Pits: Let the pits air dry on a paper towel for a day or two. This prevents mold growth during storage.
Step 2: Stratify the Cherry Pits
Most cherry seeds require a period of cold stratification to trigger germination. Stratification mimics winter conditions, which the seeds would naturally experience outdoors.
1. Cold Stratification Process
Stratify the pits by keeping them in a cold, moist environment. Here’s how:
- Moisten Paper Towels: Lightly dampen a paper towel with water. It should be moist but not soaked.
- Wrap the Pits: Place the cherry pits on the damp paper towel and fold it over to cover the pits completely.
- Place in a Plastic Bag: Put the wrapped pits into a plastic bag and seal it to maintain moisture.
- Store in the Refrigerator: Place the bag in the refrigerator for 10–12 weeks. This mimics the winter period needed to break dormancy.
2. Check the Pits Periodically
While the pits are in the refrigerator, check them every few weeks to ensure they stay moist and free from mold. If any pits begin to germinate early, remove and plant them immediately.
Step 3: Planting the Cherry Pits
After the stratification period, the pits are ready for planting. You can plant them indoors in pots or directly in the ground if your climate is suitable for cherry trees.
1. Choose a Planting Location
- Indoor Pots: Use small pots with drainage holes if you want to start the seeds indoors. This allows you to control temperature and light more easily.
- Outdoor Planting: If your climate allows, you can plant the pits outdoors in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
2. Prepare the Soil
Cherry trees grow best in fertile, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
- Indoor Soil: Use a high-quality potting mix.
- Outdoor Soil: Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and nutrient levels.
3. Plant the Pits
- Planting Depth: Sow the pits about 1–2 inches deep in the soil.
- Spacing: If planting multiple pits outdoors, space them about 12 inches apart to allow room for growth.
4. Water the Pits
Water the pits thoroughly after planting to moisten the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging, as overly wet conditions can cause the pits to rot.
Step 4: Germination and Seedling Care
Cherry pits can take 6 to 8 weeks to germinate, so patience is essential during this process. Once seedlings begin to appear, proper care is important to encourage healthy growth.
1. Watering
- Keep Soil Moist: Water the soil regularly to keep it moist, but not soaked, during germination.
- Avoid Overwatering: Once the seedlings are established, reduce the frequency of watering, but water deeply when you do. Deep watering encourages strong root development.
2. Sunlight
Cherry seedlings require ample sunlight to grow well. Place them in a location with full sunlight if possible.
- Indoors: Place the pots near a sunny window or use a grow light for 12–16 hours per day.
- Outdoors: Choose a planting location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
3. Temperature
Cherry seeds and seedlings thrive in moderate temperatures around 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Avoid exposing them to extreme cold or heat.
Step 5: Transplanting and Long-Term Care
Once your cherry seedlings are a few inches tall and have at least two sets of leaves, they can be transplanted to a larger pot or into the garden.
1. Transplanting
Choose a permanent location for your cherry tree that provides enough space for growth, as cherry trees can grow 20 feet tall or more.
- Outdoor Planting: If planting directly in the garden, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
- Container Planting: Use a container that is at least 12 inches deep and has good drainage if growing your cherry tree in a pot.
2. Watering and Fertilizing
As your cherry tree matures, it will need regular watering and occasional fertilizing to stay healthy.
- Watering: Water deeply once per week, adjusting based on rainfall and temperature.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (such as a 10-10-10 blend) in the spring to promote healthy growth.
3. Pruning
Pruning encourages strong, upright growth and helps shape the tree as it matures.
- When to Prune: Prune your cherry tree in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- How to Prune: Remove any dead or diseased branches and trim any branches that cross over each other to improve air circulation and sunlight exposure.
4. Protecting Against Pests and Diseases
Cherry trees are susceptible to certain pests, such as aphids, spider mites, and cherry fruit flies, as well as diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot.
- Pest Control: Use organic insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests if needed.
- Disease Prevention: Ensure good air circulation around the tree and avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of fungal infections.
Step 6: Patience and Harvesting
Growing a cherry tree from a pit requires patience, as it can take 3 to 5 years (or more) for a cherry tree grown from seed to produce fruit. However, with proper care, your tree will eventually reward you with its first blossoms and, later, sweet or tart cherries.
- First Blossoms: The tree may start blooming after 3 to 4 years, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
- Fruit Production: It can take up to 7 years for your cherry tree to produce a full crop of cherries.
Conclusion
Growing a cherry tree from a pit is a long-term commitment, but the journey is rewarding. By following these steps—selecting and preparing the seeds, planting and caring for the seedlings, and providing ongoing care—you can cultivate a healthy cherry tree in your own garden. With patience and dedication, your cherry tree will grow and eventually produce delicious cherries for you to enjoy.