Lexi Webster
Growing cherry trees from seed can be difficult, but it is possible. While it may be more reliable to grow cherry trees from a grafted plant, planting pits from store-bought cherries can be done with the right know-how. This involves selection, stratification, and germination. It's important to note that the fruit produced from a cherry tree grown from seed may be different from what you expect. In Australia, there are several factors to consider when growing cherry trees, such as the variety of cherry, the climate, and the soil. Cherry trees require full sun to thrive and produce fruit, so a sunny spot with well-drained soil is ideal. They also require regular watering, especially during hot summers, and protection from strong winds and birds. With the right care and patience, it is possible to grow cherry trees from seed in Australia and enjoy the rewards of fresh cherries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soil | Well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic, organic, commercial potting soil |
| Sunlight | Full sun, with afternoon shade |
| Watering | Regularly from spring to autumn, less in winter |
| Plant food | Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium |
| Pests | Scale, Aphids, birds |
| Diseases | Brown rot |
| Pruning | Open vase shape, espalier/palmette method |
| Planting | Winter or early spring, 20 feet apart |
| Harvest | December, when cherries are fully coloured and easily come away from the stem |
| Seed preparation | Soak in hot water, then cold water, then damp sand |
| Seed germination | 2-8 weeks, maintain humidity |
| Seedling planting | When 8-12 inches tall, mulch |
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What You'll Learn
Select a suitable cherry variety for your location and climate
Australia's varied climate means that different cherry varieties will be more or less suitable for growing, depending on your location. Some cherry tree varieties require a cold winter to fruit well, while others require fewer "chilling hours" and can be grown in warm temperate areas.
If you live in an area that experiences dominant summer rainfall, opt for a variety with better resistance to rain cracking, such as Dwarf Sir Don™ Cherry or Dwarf Stella Cherry. Sour cherries, like the Dwarf Morello Cherry, should be cooked almost immediately after picking.
Some cherry varieties need a compatible pollinating partner to help with pollination and fruit production. Others, such as Lapin and Stella, are self-fertile, so only one tree is needed to produce fruit. Check the plant tag of your chosen variety for pollination information.
Cherry trees require full sun to thrive and produce a good number of fruits. Afternoon shade is okay, provided your cherry tree receives sun for the rest of the day. Avoid gullies and other sites exposed to late spring frosts, which may damage the flowers. If planting near other trees or shrubs in a line, try to plant in a north/south aspect to reduce the amount of shade they will receive.
Your soil should drain well and be free from known soil issues. Well-drained soil is a surefire way to prevent fungal diseases and root rot.
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Prepare the soil and plant the seed
To grow a cherry tree from seed, you'll need to select a variety suited to your local climate and purchase or source the seeds. Note that seeds from store-bought cherries may not produce the same type of fruit as the "mother" tree.
Once you have your seeds, you can begin preparing the soil. Cherry trees require well-drained soil that is free from known soil issues. The soil should also be slightly acidic and fertile. You can perform a simple test to check the drainage by digging a hole, filling it with water, and observing how quickly the water disappears. Choose a sunny spot to plant your seeds, as cherry trees require full sun to thrive and produce fruit. Afternoon shade is okay, as long as the tree receives sunlight for the rest of the day.
When planting, space multiple trees at least 20 feet (6 m) apart. If you're planting in a pot, use a larger container and place it in a sunny location. The pot should have drainage holes to within 1/2 inch of its lip. Use well-draining, organic commercial potting soil, as regular garden soil can be too heavy and unsterilized for pots.
To plant the seed, first, put it into hot water (20-30 degrees Celsius) for 2-3 hours, and then soak it in cold water for three days and nights. After this, mix with damp sand at a seeds-to-sand ratio of 1:5 and bury it in a sunny spot where the temperature is around 20-25 degrees Celsius. The seed should sprout in about 3-5 days.
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Watering and fertilisation
Watering
- Cherry trees typically require regular watering, especially during hot summers.
- In winter, once a week, provide a small amount of water to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
- In spring, cherry trees usually rely on natural rainfall, but if there is low soil water retention or the trees are potted, water them twice a week.
- After harvest in summer, increase watering to 2-3 times per week during hot periods to encourage new growth for the next season's fruit.
- For potted cherry trees, use your hand to check the moisture level of the potting mix. If the top 5 cm of the mix is dry, water thoroughly.
- Consider using wetting agents, mulch, and drip lines to reduce the time spent manually watering.
Fertilisation
- Cherry trees benefit from fertiliser during the growing seasons to promote healthy growth and bountiful fruit production.
- Feed cherry trees with a plant food containing nitrogen for healthy leaf and stem growth, phosphorus for a strong root system, and potassium to promote flowering and fruiting.
- Yates Thrive Natural Citrus & Fruit Pelletised Plant Food is specifically formulated to provide the right blend of nutrients for cherry trees.
- Apply organic mulch to retain moisture in the soil and maintain ideal conditions for cherry growth.
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Pruning and training
Pruning Techniques:
- Open Vase Pruning: This method involves removing the leading branch and selecting four to five evenly spaced outward-facing branches. It encourages an open vase shape, allowing more sunlight to reach the centre of the tree. This technique promotes airflow, helping your cherry tree thrive.
- Espalier/Palmette Method: This technique involves training limbs to grow horizontally from a leading branch along a flat surface or wires. It creates an aesthetically pleasing shape while making it easy to hang a net over the tree.
- Regular Maintenance: Pruning should be done annually when the tree is young, ideally from March to April. For mature trees, prune only when necessary to remove inward-growing or dead branches. This helps maintain a manageable height and promotes fruit growth.
Training Techniques:
- Sunlight and Shade: Cherry trees require full sun to thrive and produce fruit. Ensure your tree receives at least eight hours of sunlight daily. Afternoon shade is acceptable as long as the tree gets sufficient sunlight during the day.
- Soil and Nutrients: Use well-drained soil with a neutral pH. Feed your cherry tree with plant food containing nitrogen for healthy leaf and stem growth, phosphorus for a strong root system, and potassium to promote flowering and fruiting.
- Protection and Care: Protect young trees from wildlife, such as deer, rabbits, or woodchucks, especially during winter. Loosely wrap them in burlap from mid to late autumn to prevent damage to the bark. Remove the burlap before blossoming in early spring.
- Watering: Keep the soil moist from spring to autumn. During winter, a small amount of water once a week is sufficient. After harvesting in summer, water two to three times per week during hot periods to encourage new growth for the next season's fruit.
- Pollination: Some cherry tree varieties require cross-pollination, while others are self-fertile. Check the plant tag for pollination requirements. Ensure adequate pollination for fruit production.
Remember, pruning and training techniques may vary depending on the specific variety of cherry tree you are growing and your local climate conditions. Always research the specific needs of your cherry tree variety for optimal growth and fruit production.
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Harvesting and storage
The main harvest season for cherries in Australia is December. Check your cherries regularly once this month arrives. Look for ripe fruit that has reached full colour; tart cherries will be bright red, while sweet varieties darken to almost black. To test if they're ripe, gently tug on the cherries – if they're ripe, they'll come away from the stem with ease. Harvest your cherries with the stems intact as this will help keep them fresh for longer.
To minimise damage to the fruiting spur, ensure you pull the cherry stem gently from it. Cherries are susceptible to cracking if rain occurs during the week of harvest. To avoid this problem, opt for Dwarf Sir Don™ Cherry or Dwarf Stella Cherry, which have better resistance to rain cracking than other varieties. If the weather forecast isn’t looking good, you can also cover the tree with a tarp or move it undercover. However, make sure you remove the cover as soon as possible to prevent excess humidity around the tree, which could cause brown rot on the fruits.
Sour cherries (e.g. Dwarf Morello Cherry) should be cooked almost immediately after picking. If storage is necessary, cut through the stem when you harvest the cherries.
After harvesting in summer, water 2-3 times per week in hot periods to encourage new growth for next season's fruit.
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Frequently asked questions
First, purchase fresh cherry blossom seeds. Soak the seeds in a 10% hydrogen peroxide solution for 10 minutes to prevent moulding, then put them in a moist piece of kitchen paper and place them into a zip-lock bag. Refrigerate the seeds and check for germination once a week. Once the seeds have sprouted, keep the soil moist and place the seedling in indirect sunlight. When the seedling is 20-31cm in height, plant it outdoors in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
It can take many years for a cherry tree to grow from seed and produce fruit.
Cherry trees require full sun to thrive and produce fruit. Afternoon shade is okay, but the tree should receive sun for most of the day. Avoid gullies and other sites exposed to late spring frosts, which may damage the flowers. The soil should be well-drained and free from known soil issues. Pruning helps promote healthier growth and better fruiting.
