Can You Grow a Cherry Tree from a Cherry Pit?
Introduction:
Do you love cherries? If so, you’ve probably spit out your fair share of cherry pits. But have you ever wondered if you could grow a cherry tree from one of those pits? The answer is yes, but it’s not quite as easy as you might think.
Seed Cherries Aren’t True to Type:
When you plant a cherry pit, you won’t get a tree that’s exactly like the parent tree. This is because cherry trees are hybrids, meaning they’re a mix of two different types of cherry trees. The resulting tree will have characteristics of both parents, but it won’t be exactly the same as either one.
Steps for Planting Cherry Pits:
If you’re still interested in growing a cherry tree from a pit, here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Choosing Cherry Seeds:
Start by eating some cherries. Choose cherries from a tree that’s growing in your area, or buy them from a farmers market. Supermarket cherries may not be reliable for planting.
2. Cleaning the Pits:
Once you’ve eaten your cherries, save the pits. Put them in a bowl of warm water and let them soak for a few minutes. Then, gently scrub them to remove any remaining fruit. Spread the clean pits out on a paper towel and let them dry for a few days.
3. Stratification:
Cherry pits need to go through a cold period called stratification before they can germinate. To do this, mix the pits with moist peat moss or sand and put them in the refrigerator for about 10 weeks.
4. Germination:
Once the stratification period is complete, you can start germinating the pits. Fill small containers with potting soil and plant several pits in each container. Place the containers in a sunny spot and keep the soil moist. The pits will germinate and seedlings will appear.
5. Thinning:
When the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them out. Remove the weakest plants and leave the strongest one in each pot.
6. Transplanting:
Once the seedlings are a bit bigger, you can transplant them outdoors. Wait until all danger of frost has passed and the seedlings are at least 8 inches tall. Dig a hole that’s twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. Place the seedling in the hole and fill it with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water the seedling well.
Growing Cherry Trees in Pots:
If you don’t have the space to grow a cherry tree outdoors, you can also grow it in a pot. Dwarf varieties are best suited for container gardening. Choose a pot that’s at least 12 inches in diameter and has drainage holes. Fill the pot with potting mix and plant the seedling. Place the pot in a sunny location and water it regularly.
Harvesting Cherries:
It will take several years for your cherry tree to produce fruit. Once it does, you’ll be rewarded with delicious, homegrown cherries.
Conclusion:
Growing a cherry tree from a pit is a fun and rewarding experience. Just remember to be patient, and don’t be discouraged if your tree doesn’t produce fruit right away. With a little care and attention, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh cherries from your own tree for years to come.
