Belonging to the rose family, a large variety of this species is native to Eastern Asia. For me personally, learning how to grow a cherry tree from seed is an exciting journey, as it helps me connect with nature in a deeper sense. The process requires patience, care, and proper attention, but it is surely a blooming experience.
Whether I am planting the genus for fresh cherries or for its ornamental beauty, growing cherry trees from seeds is more than just gardening — it is a nurturing process that rewards my dedication. Next, let us quickly examine the most common method and explore the botanical background of the species.
Can You Grow a Cherry Tree From Cherry Pits?
Yes, growing a cherry tree from its pits may take some time, but it’s a fun and fulfilling journey! Cherry pits are essentially the seeds of the fruit, and with a bit of patience, proper care, and the right growing conditions, they can sprout into beautiful trees.
I always start with fresh and organic seeds. Store-bought ones can also work, but only those that haven’t been treated with chemicals or any sort of preservatives. After devouring delicious red cherries, I wash off any extra pulp and save the pits to grow my own cherry trees in the backyard.
Moving further, I have listed the steps on how to grow a cherry tree from seed in detail.
How to Grow a Cherry Tree From Seed?
Growing Cherry trees from seed is a rewarding experience for me. Although it takes a lot of patience, seeing a beautiful tree bloom from a tiny seedling is pure joy.
Without any further delay, let us explore how to grow a cherry tree from seed in this step-by-step guide.
Collect and Clean the Seeds
I always start by collecting pits from fresh and organic cherries. Place the seeds in a jar filled with water to wash away any excess pulp. Once again, wash the seeds thoroughly, place them on a paper towel, and let them dry for a few days.
Cold Stratification
Cherry pits cannot be planted immediately. They need to go through a frost period, called cold stratification. Spread the seeds on a damp paper towel and sprinkle some cinnamon powder to prevent mold growth.
Fold the paper towel, seal it in a plastic zip-lock bag, and place it in the refrigerator for 8–10 weeks to mimic winter conditions.
Prepare the Soil
Once the stratification period is over, I prefer preparing pots with nutrient-rich, well-draining, fertile soil. Consider mixing organic manure for optimal growth of the trees.
Germinate the Seeds
Now that the dormancy of the seed is broken, it is time to do the real work — germination. Inspect the seeds and select only those with sprouted roots.
Plant the germinated seeds in the prepared soil, making sure the roots point downwards. Water them gently only to keep the soil slightly moist, and place them in a sunny spot.
Transplant the Seedling
When the seedling grows about 6–8 inches tall, shift it to the ground or a larger pot. I prefer shifting them outside to a spot where they can receive abundant sunlight and the soil is slightly acidic. Regular watering is needed during the initial days for optimal growth, but avoid overwatering.
Growing cherry trees from seeds requires patience. Though the journey is deeply satisfying, it can take a minimum of 5 years for the tree to produce fruit. Knowing how to grow a cherry tree from the seed, following the right steps, is essential.
Complete Care Guide For Cherry Tree
Cherry trees like the Yoshino Cherry tree, or the Kwanzan Cherry tree, are fast-growing species but are also extremely low-maintenance. Let us quickly explore the ultimate care guide that I follow to grow cherry tree from seed.
| Ideal Growing Conditions Needed | |
| Sunlight Exposure | Prefers growing in a sunny spot. Needs a minimum of 6–8 hours of direct sunlight. |
| Water Needs | Frequent watering is required during the initial growing days. Mature trees need water in moderation only to keep the soil moist. |
| Soil Type | Plant the seeds in well-draining, fertile soil. Do not forget to mix organic manure once or twice for optimal growth. |
| Hardiness Zone | 4-8 USDA |
| Fertilizer Requirements | A balanced fertilizer (NPK) with a low nitrogen ratio, like 5:10:10, works best. |
Cherries make wonderful trees for any garden space, irrespective of the size. Many varieties only produce pink blossom flowers and not the vibrant red fruit. Although these are low-maintenance, they still have specific needs to thrive.
Pruning and Protecting Cherry Trees From Pest Infestation
Be it the cherry plant or any other spring flower, pruning and protecting it from pest infestation is important. If you wish to improve the airflow between the trees, pruning them once in a while and removing any diseased parts is essential for the healthy development of any genus.
It is advised to perform major pruning during the dormant season. Remove all the dead leaves, stems, or branches crossing each other to improve circulation and reduce pest infestation. Over-pruning can also make the tree susceptible to aphids and spider mites; hence, be mindful while trimming.
Before you move to another sapling, consider washing your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol to prevent spreading any plant disease. Remove fallen fruits and leaves to prevent pest infestations.
Discover the Taxonomy of Cherry Tree
Whether you are a garden enthusiast or a seasoned botanist, it is ideal to understand the botanical background of the species before you bring them home. Quickly walk through the taxonomic overview of the cherry tree.
| Scientific Classification of Cherry Tree | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Clade | Tracheophytes |
| Clade | Angiosperms |
| Clade | Eudicots |
| Clade | Rosids |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Prunus |
| Botanical Name | Prunus Avium |
Cherry trees are typically native to the Northern Hemisphere of eastern Asia. Their native range includes parts of Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa.
Although now these species are grown worldwide, Japan has a history of cultivating these blossom trees, such as the Pink Weeping Cherry tree, which has a rich meaning in their culture.
Understanding Cherry Tree Varieties
Without any further delay, let us quickly explore some popular and astonishing cherry tree varieties that can be easily grown in any landscape.
| Different Types | Image | Description |
| Cherry Blossom |  | Primarily found in California and New York, the reddish-brown bark of this tree makes it distinguishable. |
| Sour Cherry Tree |  | Mostly found in the United States and British Columbia, the dark green leaves of this tree with tiny red cherries on it make a stunning contrast in large landscapes. |
| Sweet Cherry Tree |  | The leaves of this tree are similar to those of the Sour Cherry tree. Sweet and Sour Cherries differ primarily in their fruit taste and culinary uses. |
| Stella Cherry Tree |  | Widely appreciated for its ability to grow the fruits in clusters, the Stella Cherry tree produces dark red cherries that are specifically popular in the United States. |
| Snow Fountain Cherry Tree |  | The weeping structure of this species resembles a snow fountain, which is why it is called as Snow Fountain Cherry tree. It is perfect for small gardens and front yards. |
Each variety of the cherry tree comes with its own uniqueness. If you are planning to learn how to grow cherry trees from a seed, it is very crucial to understand their varieties and the specific needs of each cultivar.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to grow cherry trees from seed, it is time to appreciate the beauty of the genus. There is no denying the fact that the process needs patience and dedication. Although it takes years for the tree to bear fruit, each step feels extremely satisfying.
Just like me, if you are also a cherry lover, it’s time to save the pits and grow your own cherry trees. You simply need to understand the basics, and within a few years, your backyard will be full of bushy cherry trees.
How long does it take to grow a cherry tree from seed?
It takes around 8–10 years for the cherry tree to mature and produce fruit.
Can you grow a cherry tree from cherry pits?
Yes, cherry trees can easily be grown using cherry pits, especially if you are planning to plant them in the spring.
How do you germinate a cherry seed?
To germinate a cherry seed, extract it from a pit, wash off the extra pulp, place it in a moist paper towel, seal it in a plastic bag, and keep it in the refrigerator for several months until it sprouts.
Are cherry trees hard to grow from seed?
Though growing a cherry tree from a seed is fairly easy, the process requires patience and dedication.
Can I grow a cherry tree indoors?
Yes, cherry trees can be grown indoors, but it might be challenging for the tree to survive as it requires a certain climatic condition to flourish.
How to Grow Cherries – BBC Gardening
