Growing a cherry tree from seed at home is one of those gardening projects that feels almost magical. You start with something as small and unassuming as a cherry pit, and with a bit of patience and care, you can watch it grow into a tree that rewards you with delicate blossoms and juicy, home-grown cherries.
I remember the first time I tried this. It was on a whim, really—I’d just finished a bowl of fresh cherries and thought, why not see if I can grow one myself? I didn’t know what I was doing, and my first attempts were… let’s just say, less than successful. But once I learned the right steps, things took a much more promising turn.
So, if you’ve ever looked at a cherry pit and thought about planting it, here’s exactly how to do it. Spoiler alert: It’s easier than you might think, but it does require some patience!
Step 1: Choose the Right Cherries
Let’s start with the cherries themselves. Not all cherry pits are created equal when it comes to growing a tree. Most store-bought cherries are from hybrid varieties, which means the tree you grow may not produce fruit that tastes like the cherries you ate. But for me, that’s part of the excitement—it’s like a little mystery project!
If you can, choose organic cherries or cherries from a local farm. They’re less likely to have been treated with chemicals that could affect germination. Sweet cherries like Bing or tart varieties like Montmorency both work, depending on your preference.
Step 2: Clean the Pits
After enjoying your cherries (easily the best part of this process), you’ll need to clean the pits. I’ve found that soaking them in warm water for a few minutes makes it easier to scrub off any remaining fruit. Just use your fingers or a soft brush—don’t go too hard, as you don’t want to damage the seed inside.
Once the pits are clean, lay them out on a paper towel to dry completely. I usually leave mine out for a day or two to be safe.
Step 3: Mimic Winter with Stratification
Here’s the part I didn’t get right the first time: cherry seeds need a cold period, or stratification, to break dormancy and start germinating. Without this step, the seeds will just sit there, refusing to sprout no matter how lovingly you plant them.
To mimic winter, place the dry pits in a plastic bag with some moist sand or peat moss. Seal the bag and pop it in the fridge for about 10–12 weeks. Yes, weeks. This is where patience comes in.
I’ll admit, I checked on my seeds obsessively the first time I tried this. But resist the urge to open the bag too often—you want to keep the environment stable.
Step 4: Plant the Seeds
After their chilly stay in the fridge, your cherry pits are ready for the next step: planting. By this point, you may even see a tiny root starting to emerge from some of the pits, which is always a thrilling moment.
Fill small pots with well-draining soil—I like to use a mix of potting soil and sand for good drainage. Plant each seed about 1–2 inches deep, cover lightly with soil, and water gently.
Place the pots in a sunny spot, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. This is where the magic starts to happen.
Step 5: Nurture the Seedlings
If all goes well, you should start to see tiny seedlings poking through the soil in a few weeks. For me, this was the most exciting part—it’s such a joy to see those first little leaves unfurling after all the waiting.
Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, you can transplant them into larger pots. Keep them in a sunny spot, and be sure to protect them from frost if you’re growing them indoors or in cooler climates.
Step 6: Be Patient (Again)
Growing cherry trees from seed is not a fast process. It can take several years before your tree is mature enough to produce fruit, and even then, there’s no guarantee it will be exactly like the cherries you started with. But honestly, I’ve found the journey to be just as rewarding as the destination.
There’s something so satisfying about watching a tree grow from a tiny pit you planted with your own hands. And when those first blossoms appear? Pure magic.
A Few Tips for Success
- Don’t Overwater: Cherry trees don’t like soggy soil, so be careful not to overdo it. Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings.
- Be Mindful of Pests: Seedlings are delicate and can attract pests like aphids. Keep an eye out and treat any problems early.
- Consider Grafting: If your tree grows well but doesn’t produce good fruit, you can always graft a branch from a known variety onto your tree.
Why You Should Try It
Growing a cherry tree from seed isn’t just about the end result—it’s about the process. It’s about slowing down and connecting with nature, about learning to be patient and appreciating the small victories along the way.
Even if your tree doesn’t end up bearing fruit, you’ll have the satisfaction of nurturing something from seed to tree. And if it does? Well, there’s nothing quite like picking cherries from a tree you grew yourself.
So, the next time you’re enjoying a bowl of cherries, save a few pits and give this a try. Who knows? In a few years, you might be sitting under the shade of your very own cherry tree, savouring the sweetest fruit you’ve ever tasted.