How To Germinate Cherry Seeds That Works Every time

Cherries are a delicious and colorful addition to summer, whether used in cakes, jams or enjoyed fresh. If you've ever thought about growing your own cherry tree, you’ll be pleased to know it’s easier than you might think. With a bit of patience and the right approach, you can germinate cherry seeds and grow your very own tree right at home. Whether you have a spacious garden or just a balcony, growing cherries from seeds is possible and rewarding.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of germinating cherry seeds step by step, giving you all the tips and tricks you need for success.

This is Why Growing Cherries from Seeds is Worth It

There’s something magical about growing fruit trees from seed. Not only is it a great way to save money, but it also gives you the satisfaction of nurturing a tree from the very beginning. While many gardeners opt for purchasing cherry saplings, growing them from seeds—also known as pits—adds a personal touch to your garden. Plus, cherry trees are known for their beautiful blossoms in spring and, of course, their sweet and juicy fruit.

Start Your Own Fruit Garden – Discover High-Quality Fruit Seeds for Planting!

Bestseller No. 1

Back to the Roots Heirloom Organic, Non-GMO & USA Grown Seeds, 30ct Herb, Fruit, and Veggies,...

Bestseller No. 2

1100pcs Mixed Fruit Seeds Berry Seeds for Planting 200pcs Strawberry 200pcs Raspberry 200pcs...

Bestseller No. 3

1200+ Mix Fruit Seeds Berry Seeds for Planting (9 Varieties) Heirloom Strawberry Raspberry Mulberry...

Growing cherry trees from seeds also offers flexibility. Even if you don’t have a large garden, you can start your cherry tree in a pot, making it perfect for small spaces like patios or balconies. Over time, the tree can be transplanted into a larger space or continue growing in a large pot.

Choosing the Right Cherries for Seed Germination

The first step to growing a cherry tree from seed is to choose the right cherries. Ideally, you’ll want to use fresh, organic cherries. Many store-bought cherries are treated with chemicals that can inhibit seed germination, so opting for organic cherries is your best bet. You can pick cherries from a local farmer’s market or even from your own tree if you already have one.

There are two main types of cherries: sweet cherries and sour cherries. Sweet cherries are the kind you typically eat fresh, while sour cherries are often used in baking. Both types can be grown from seed, but sweet cherries tend to take longer to germinate and grow, so patience is key!

Once you've enjoyed your cherries, save the pits for the next step.

Preparing the Cherry Pits for Germination

To start the germination process, you'll need to properly prepare the cherry pits. This step is crucial because cherry seeds have a hard outer shell that needs to be softened before they can sprout.

Here’s how to prepare your cherry seeds:

Clean the pits: After eating the cherries, make sure to thoroughly clean the pits. Rinse them under water to remove any remaining fruit flesh. You want the pits to be completely clean before moving on to the next step.
Dry the pits: Lay the cleaned pits on a paper towel and let them air dry for a few days. This ensures any excess moisture is removed, which helps prevent mold from forming during the germination process.
Crack the outer shell (optional): If you want to speed up the germination process, you can gently crack the outer shell of the pit. This allows water to penetrate the seed more easily, encouraging quicker sprouting. Be careful not to damage the seed inside.

Stratification: Mimicking Winter Conditions

One of the key steps in germinating cherry seeds is stratification, a process that mimics the cold winter months cherry seeds would experience in nature. This step tricks the seed into thinking it has gone through winter, signaling that it's time to start growing.

To stratify your seeds, follow these steps:

Place the seeds in a damp medium: Put your clean, dry cherry pits into a plastic bag filled with a slightly damp medium like moist sand or a damp paper towel. The medium should be moist but not soaking wet, as too much water can cause the seeds to rot.
Refrigerate the seeds: Seal the plastic bag and place it in the refrigerator. The seeds will need to stay in the cold for about 10 to 12 weeks. This cold period replicates winter and helps break the seed’s dormancy.
Check periodically: Throughout the stratification period, check on your seeds every couple of weeks to make sure the medium stays moist. If it starts to dry out, lightly mist it with water.

Planting the Germinated Cherry Seeds

After the stratification period is complete, your cherry seeds will be ready for planting. If everything goes well, you may even notice tiny sprouts beginning to emerge from the seeds while they’re still in the fridge.

Here’s how to plant your seeds:

Prepare pots or a garden bed: Whether you’re starting your cherry tree in a pot or directly in the garden, make sure the soil is well-draining. Cherry trees don’t like soggy conditions, so use a potting mix that allows for proper drainage. If planting outside, choose a spot with full sun and well-drained soil.
Plant the seeds: Plant each cherry seed about 1 inch deep in the soil. If you’re using pots, plant one seed per pot. If planting directly in the garden, space the seeds about 12 inches apart to give them room to grow.
Water gently: After planting, water the soil gently to settle the seeds in place. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Provide sunlight: Place the pots in a sunny location where they can receive 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. If planting outside, make sure your garden bed is in a sunny spot.

Caring for Cherry Seedlings

Once your cherry seeds are planted, the next phase is all about nurturing your new seedlings. Cherry trees take time to grow, so patience and proper care are key during the early stages.

Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soaked. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure your pots or garden bed have good drainage.
Fertilizing: Once your seedlings have sprouted and are a few inches tall, you can begin lightly fertilizing them. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide nutrients without overwhelming the young plants.
Thinning: If you planted multiple seeds in one area and more than one seedling has sprouted, you may need to thin them out. Choose the healthiest seedling and remove the others to give the remaining one plenty of space to grow.
Transplanting: If you start your cherry seeds in pots, you’ll eventually need to transplant them to a larger pot or garden space as they grow. Wait until your seedlings are at least 6 inches tall and the risk of frost has passed before transplanting them outdoors.

Waiting for Your Cherry Tree to Bear Fruit

Growing cherry trees from seeds takes time, and it may be a few years before you see your tree bear fruit. Typically, it takes 5 to 10 years for cherry trees grown from seeds to produce their first cherries. While this may seem like a long wait, the payoff is worth it when you finally get to harvest cherries from a tree you grew yourself.

During this time, continue caring for your tree by watering it regularly, fertilizing it as needed, and protecting it from pests and diseases. With proper care, your cherry tree will grow strong and healthy, eventually producing delicious cherries for you to enjoy.

Final Thoughts on Growing Cherry Trees from Seeds

Growing a cherry tree from seed is a rewarding process that allows you to cultivate a beautiful and productive fruit tree from scratch. While it takes time and patience, following the steps outlined in this guide will give you the best chance of success.

By selecting the right cherries, properly preparing the pits, and giving your seeds the care they need through each stage of growth, you can eventually enjoy the sight of a blossoming cherry tree in your garden—and the taste of sweet cherries in the years to come. Whether you have a small balcony or a large garden, germinating cherry seeds is an accessible and fulfilling project for any gardener.