Planting cherry pits from store-bought cherries is possible, but it’s not quite as easy as many may hope. While it is possible to grow a cherry tree by planting a pit, the seedling won’t be true to type. This means the fruit it produces won’t be the same as the parent tree.
Seeds will produce plants that are hybrids. So, the taste and characteristics of the fruit will likely be different. Yet, growing cherry trees from seed can still be a rewarding gardening adventure. Even if the fruit is not identical to the original.
Can You Grow a Cherry Tree from a Pit?
Yes, you can grow a cherry tree from a pit, also known as a cherry seed. But, the tree grown might not be just like the original. This is because cherry seeds come from cross-pollination. So, the genetics of the seedling will mix the “mother” tree with the “father” tree’s pollen.
Seed Cherries Aren’t True to Type
Unless you’re growing a self-pollinating or grafted variety, the tree from a pit won’t have the same fruit as the original. The genetics of the seedling can change a lot. This means the cherries might be different in size, taste, and other ways.
Sweet cherry trees (Prunus Avium) can grow up to 105 feet tall, while sour cherry trees (a cross with Prunus fruticosa) are shorter, ranging from 13-32 feet. The cherries from a seedling might look like a mix of the parent trees but can still be quite different.
“Cherries grown from pits may take up to ten years before enjoying a bountiful crop, and the fruit may not taste the same as the original cherry.”
So, growing a cherry tree from a pit is possible, but you won’t get the exact cherry you started with. The tree will be a unique hybrid. It might have characteristics you like or not. For those wanting a specific cherry type, grafting or buying a named variety is usually better.
How to Grow a Cherry Tree From a Seed
Growing a cherry tree from a seed is rewarding and fulfilling. With a few simple steps, you can turn a seed into a tree that gives you delicious fruit for years. Let’s explore how to grow a cherry tree from a seed.
Choose Cherry Seeds for Planting
Start by picking fresh, locally-grown cherries. Soak the pits in warm water to get rid of any fruit pulp. Then, let them dry for 3-5 days. This step prepares the seeds for the next important step.
Stratify Seeds
Cherry seeds need a cold period, about 10 weeks, to simulate winter. Mix the dried pits with moist peat moss or sand. Then, store them in the fridge. This breaks the seed’s dormancy and gets it ready to grow.
Germinate
After the cold period, plant the pits in containers with good potting soil. Keep the soil moist and put the containers in a sunny spot. With patience, seeds will start to sprout in about two weeks.
Thin Seedlings
As seedlings grow, thin them to the strongest ones, leaving about 2 inches apart. This ensures your cherry trees have enough space and resources to grow well.
Transplant
When seedlings are 8-12 inches tall, it’s time to transplant them. You can move them to bigger containers or directly into the ground. Make sure they have at least 20 feet of space to grow.
By following these steps, you can grow a cherry tree from a seed and enjoy its fruits for years. Remember, patience and proper care are crucial for a thriving cherry tree from a small pit.
Outdoor and Indoor Transplanting
If you live in USDA hardiness zones 5-9, you can move your cherry tree seedlings outside after the last frost. Make sure to plant them 20 feet apart and mulch the area to keep it moist. Cherry trees also do well in containers, perfect for small spaces. Just move the seedling into a bigger pot and put it in a sunny spot.
When growing cherry trees outdoors, pick a spot that gets a lot of sunlight. Cherries need six to eight hours of sunlight each day to get sweet. Keep your trees safe from cold winds and late spring frosts, which can hurt the blossoms. Add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to make it rich in nutrients and well-drained. Cherry trees like soil that’s a bit acidic.
For growing cherry trees in containers, choose a dwarf or semi-dwarf type. These trees fit well in pots and can give you lots of fruit, even on a small patio or balcony. Make sure the pot has good drainage and use a special potting mix for fruit trees. Water your tree often, especially when it’s hot and dry, to keep the soil just right.
“Even a mature dwarf cherry tree can produce over 20 pounds of fruit per year.”
No matter where you put your cherry tree seedlings, water them often until they’re strong. With the right care, your cherry trees will give you lots of tasty fruit for many years.
how to grow a cherry tree from a cherry pit
Want to grow a cherry tree from a pit? It’s definitely doable with patience and care. You’ll end up with a tree that’s beautiful and gives you delicious cherries.
Start by picking fresh, local cherries and saving the pits. Clean off any pulp and let them dry for 3-5 days. Then, put the pits in the fridge for 10 weeks with some moist peat moss or sand. This cold period mimics winter, helping the seeds germinate.
- Select fresh, local cherries and save the pits.
- Clean off any fruit pulp and let the pits dry for 3-5 days.
- Refrigerate the pits in moist peat moss or sand for 10 weeks to stratify them.
After stratification, plant the pits in containers with potting soil. Keep the soil moist and put them in a sunny spot. Thin out the seedlings when they’re 2 inches tall to help the strongest ones grow. Once they’re 8-12 inches tall, you can move them outside or into bigger pots.
Growing a cherry tree from a pit is thrilling, but remember, the tree might not be just like the original. Cherries from pits can have different traits. Still, seeing a pit turn into a tree is a joy for gardeners.
“The process of growing cherries from seed can take up to ten years before enjoying a bountiful crop.”
With the right care, you can grow a cherry tree from a pit and enjoy its fruits for many years. Check out this guide for more tips on growing cherries.
Conclusion
Growing a cherry tree from a pit might not give you the same fruit as the original tree. Yet, it can still be a fulfilling project. By picking fresh local cherries, stratifying the seeds, and moving the seedlings, you can grow your own cherry tree. You’ll enjoy its tasty fruit and lovely spring flowers.
Starting with a single pit, you can make your own cherry orchard. It’s a great way to learn about growing cherry trees from pits, cherry tree cultivation tips, and backyard fruit tree gardening. You can choose between sweet Prunus avium or tart Prunus cerasus trees. Raising a cherry tree from a pit is both fun and educational.
With the right methods and patience, your cherry tree can flourish. It will give you a lot of fruit for many years.
So, why not try it? Plant your own cherry tree from a pit and enjoy the satisfaction of having a fruit tree at home. It might take some time, but the delicious fruit and the pride you’ll feel are worth it.
FAQ
Can you grow a cherry tree from a pit?
Yes, you can grow a cherry tree from a pit. But, the seedling won’t produce the same fruit as the parent tree.
Why won’t the fruit be the same as the parent tree?
Seeds produce hybrids, so the fruit won’t taste or look the same. This is because the seedling is a mix of the “mother” and “father” trees.
How do I grow a cherry tree from a pit?
Start by picking fresh, local cherries and saving the pits. Clean them by soaking in warm water, then let them dry for 3-5 days.
Next, put the pits in the fridge for about 10 weeks with moist peat moss or sand. This cold period mimics winter, helping the seeds germinate.
After stratification, plant the pits in potting soil. Keep them moist and sunny. Thin the seedlings when they’re 2 inches tall.
When they’re 8-12 inches tall, move them outside or into bigger pots.
Where can I plant my cherry tree seedling?
In USDA hardiness zones 5-9, plant your seedlings outside after the last frost. Keep them 20 feet apart and mulch to keep the soil moist.
Or, you can grow cherry trees in containers. This is great for dwarf varieties. Just move the seedling into a bigger pot and place it in a sunny spot.