How to Grow Cherry Trees from Cherry Pits

Growing a cherry tree from a cherry pit is both a fun family project, and a unique way to add an interesting tree to your landscape. While this method can produce cherry trees that grow fruit, it is not the most efficient way to get a fruit bearing cherry tree. This is best done by purchasing a cherry tree at a nursery. However, growing a tree from a pit is easy and can be done by anybody. Who knows, you may grow a tree with wonderful fruit after all! Read on for the easy process.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cherries
• Water
• Paper towels
• Plastic bag
• 6” planters
• Potting soil

1. Eat some cherries. This is where you will get your cherry pits. If possible, obtain your cherries locally. Attend a farmer’s market or ask a neighbor with a cherry tree for some of their cherries. You can make do with grocery bought cherries, but the likelihood of success will be lower. The more pits you have, the better chance for success you will have!

2. Clean the pits. Simple water and hand rubbing will work just fine. Make sure you get all the cherry gunk off the pit.

3. Dry the pits. Place them on paper towels and leave out to dry for a few days. Small children and pets may find these fun to play with, so store out of reach.

4. Soak the pits. Place all the pits in a glass of water for two days. You may change the water each day to diminish chances of mold or algae. This helps soften up the pit.

5. Refrigerate the pits. Using a moist paper towel, lay all the pits onto the towel. Fold or roll up the towel so it can fit inside a sealable plastic bag. Once all the pits are in the bag, place in a refrigerator for 90-120 days. This replicates a natural winterization process and is called ‘stratification.’ Keep the towel moist but not drenched during this time.

6. Plant the pits. Use quality potting soil and pots around 6”. Pots should be well-draining. Pits should be planted about ½” deep. Cover the pit and press lightly on the soil. Water the soil. Place in a sunny area.

7. Watch for sprouts. This may take up to a year! Once the seedling reaches a height of eight to twelve inches, it’s ready to be transplanted outside.

8. Plant your cherry tree. Planting is best done in the spring or fall. Dig a wide hole and backfill adding some quality fertilizer. Mulch and keep well watered.

Tips & Warnings

• Mark your calendar to check your seeds after stratification is complete.
• Label your plastic bag during stratification with the start and end dates.
• You may wish to put up stakes around your newly planted tree to keep lawnmowers away.
• It will take at least five to eight years before fruit grows, if it is to grow from this method.
• Plant trees 20 feet apart.
• Cherries grown in this manner will probably not be like the cherry the seed came from.
• Do not use this method to obtain a backyard full of quality, fruit producing cherry trees. Visit a local nursery instead to obtain tree varieties that grow well in your area, and purchase ready grown trees.

[harrisdy]

on 10/1/2009 great tips on growing cherry trees... 5*

[sonni57]

on 9/23/2009 Good info on how to grow cherry trees from cherry pits.