Lyla Lindsey
Cherries are a delicious treat, but growing them from seed can be a challenge. While it is possible to grow cherries from seeds, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Firstly, cherries require a cold climate and well-drained soil, so they may not be suitable for all areas of Australia. Secondly, cherries grown from seeds may not produce the same fruit as the parent tree, and the taste may be different. However, with patience and the right methods, it can be a rewarding experience. In this article, we will explore the steps and techniques for growing cherries from seeds in Australia, including selecting the right cherry variety, preparing the seeds, and providing the necessary care for the seedlings to thrive.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Climate | Cold climate zone, cool inland districts, cool parts of Tasmania or Victoria |
| Fruit Tree Maintenance | Pruning, regular feeding, spraying and other maintenance |
| Planting Time | Winter, when bare-rooted |
| Feeding Time | Spring and autumn |
| Pollination | Self-pollinating or cross-pollinating |
| Seed Source | Fresh local cherries, not supermarket cherries |
| Seed Preparation | Soak in warm water, dry on paper towel, store in glass jar or plastic container |
| Seed Planting | Prepare and plant seeds in spring or direct sow seeds in fall |
| Seed Germination | Stratification by placing seeds in damp paper towel in plastic bag and storing in refrigerator for 10 weeks |
| Seedling Transplanting | Transplant outdoors when 8-12 inches tall, spacing at least 20 feet apart |
| Soil Type | Well-drained with neutral pH |
| Container Gardening | Dwarf varieties do well in pots |
| Harvest Time | Up to 10 years |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right climate and soil
Cherries are not the easiest fruit to grow in Australia, and they are certainly not suited to all climates. Cherry trees need a cold climate and well-drained soil. They also require eight hours of sun every day to produce fruit.
If you live in a cool climate zone, such as mountain areas, cool inland tablelands like Young and Orange in NSW, or cool parts of Tasmania or Victoria, you will have more luck growing cherries. They also grow well in the southern states, Tasmania and the highlands, especially areas with cold winters.
If your area experiences a short burst of cold weather through winter, you can try whacking a good layer of mulch over the soil before winter to prevent the soil from warming too quickly.
Cherry trees grow best in well-drained soil with a neutral pH. They can be grown in soil without testing for toxic residue, as any residue will not make its way into the fruit.
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Select and prepare seeds
Soak the seeds in a bowl of warm water for about two hours to rehydrate them and soften the seed coat, improving the chances of successful germination. Next, the seeds will need to go through stratification, which will prepare them to sprout. To do this, place the seeds in a damp paper towel inside a plastic storage bag and store them in the refrigerator for about ten weeks. Remember to label the bag with the cherry variety and note the start and end dates of stratification.
After stratification, you can plant the seeds in the spring or direct sow them in the fall. Choose a protected spot with full sun and well-drained sandy soil. If you are planting multiple trees, space them at least 20 feet (6 m) apart. Keep in mind that cherries need a cold climate and well-drained soil with a neutral pH. The best time to plant them is in the winter when they are bare-rooted.
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Germination and stratification
To germinate cherry seeds, start by removing the pits from fresh, local cherries. Wash the pits to remove any flesh. Then, cut open the pits and gently extract the seeds. Soak the seeds in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes to a couple of hours to rehydrate them and improve the chances of successful germination.
After soaking, the seeds need to go through the process of stratification, which will prepare them to sprout. To do this, place the damp seeds in a paper towel and then put them in a plastic storage bag or glass jar. Label the bag or jar with the cherry variety and the start and end dates of stratification. Store the pack in the refrigerator for about ten weeks.
Once stratification is complete, you can plant the seeds outdoors in the spring or fall. If planting in the spring, you will need to start the seeds indoors first. Place the cleaned and dried seeds in a sand-based mix and leave them outdoors in a full sun location. Seedlings should begin to emerge within about two weeks. After the seedlings have grown their second set of leaves, they can be planted in individual pots. Harden off the seedlings in the spring by placing them outside in a location that receives morning sun or dappled shade for about a week. After adjusting to being outdoors, place the seedlings in full sun.
If planting in the fall, simply place the cleaned and dried seeds directly into the ground in a protected spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil. Fallen leaves and snow cover will help keep the seeds moist during drier periods. Transplant the seedlings to their permanent spot when they are 8 to 12 inches tall.
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Planting and potting
Cherries are one of the best fruit trees, and it is possible to grow them from seed, but it will take a long time, sometimes up to ten years, to enjoy a bountiful crop. It is important to note that pits from cherries will not grow true to type. This means that seeds will produce plants that are hybrids of two plants: the "mother" tree where the fruit grew and the "father" tree that produced the pollen. Therefore, cherries grown from pits will likely taste different from the original cherry the pit came from.
When selecting cherry seeds, only use fresh local cherries for pits. Avoid supermarket cherries as they may have been refrigerated after harvesting, affecting the viability of the seeds. Choose sweet cherries or sour cherries, red or black cherries, and consider whether you will need cross-pollinating or self-pollinating varieties. Sour cherries are self-pollinating and generally breed true from seed, so they are a good option for growing from seed.
Once you have selected your cherries, remove the pits and clean off as much fruit as possible. Then, cut open the pits, which are the hard, woody shells that protect the seeds. Soak the seeds in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes to a few hours to rehydrate them and improve the chances of successful germination. Next, the seeds will need to go through the process of stratification, which will prepare them to sprout. To do this, place them in a damp paper towel in a plastic storage bag and store them in the refrigerator for about ten weeks.
After stratification, you can plant the seeds in the spring or direct sow them in the fall. Choose a protected spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil. If planting multiple trees, space them at least 20 feet (6 m) apart. If you are planting seedlings, wait until they are 8 to 12 inches (20-31 cm) tall, then transplant them outdoors and mulch them. You can also grow cherry trees in pots, with dwarf varieties doing best in containers. Place the pots in a sunny location.
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Maintenance and protection
Cherry trees require regular maintenance and protection to ensure their health and survival. Here are some essential tips for maintaining and protecting your cherry tree:
- Climate and soil: Cherry trees thrive in cold climates with well-drained soil. They require eight hours of sunlight daily to produce fruit. The soil pH level should be neutral for cherry trees, and it is recommended to mulch over the soil to retain moisture.
- Pruning: Pruning is necessary, especially when the tree is young. For specific varieties like Blackboy/Napoleon, minimal pruning is required after the initial framework is established.
- Feeding and spraying: Regular feeding and spraying are crucial for the growth and health of cherry trees.
- Protection from pests and wildlife: Cherry trees attract pests and wildlife, including birds and cherry slugs, as well as deer, rabbits, and woodchucks. Wrapping young trees loosely in burlap during mid to late autumn can effectively deter deer and other animals from chewing on the bark.
- Pollination: Some sweet cherry varieties require pollen from another cherry variety for fruit production. Sour cherries, such as the Morello variety, are self-fertile and only need one tree.
- Seed selection and germination: When planting from seeds, use fresh local cherries for pits, as store-bought cherries may have reduced seed viability due to refrigeration. Soak the seeds in warm water for a few minutes to clean and rehydrate them. Then, stratify the seeds by placing them in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag in the refrigerator for about ten weeks to prepare them for sprouting.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when they reach a height of 8 to 12 inches (20-31 cm). Space multiple trees at least 20 feet (6 m) apart. Protect the young trees from wildlife, especially during the winter.
- Container gardening: If outdoor space is limited, cherry trees can be grown in pots or containers. Dwarf varieties are particularly well-suited for container gardening.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to grow a cherry tree from seed. However, it may take up to 10 years before you can enjoy a bountiful crop.
There are two ways to propagate cherry trees with seeds: prepare and plant seeds in the spring or direct sow seeds in the fall.
First, remove the pits from your cherries and wash them to remove the flesh. Then, cut open the pits and gently extract the seeds. Soak the seeds in warm water for a few minutes to a few hours to rehydrate them and improve the chances of successful germination. After drying the seeds, place them in a damp paper towel in a plastic storage bag and store them in the refrigerator for about ten weeks. Once the seeds have sprouted, you can transplant them outdoors when they are about 8 to 12 inches tall.
Cherry trees need a cold climate and well-drained soil. They also require regular maintenance such as pruning, feeding, and spraying. Sour cherry trees are generally smaller than sweet cherry trees and are better suited for colder climates.
