Grow Your Own Cherry Tree from a Pit: Tips and Tricks

Cherry trees are beautiful additions to any garden, but buying saplings can be expensive. Did you know that you can grow your own cherry tree from a pit? Not only is it cost-effective, but it's also a fun and rewarding experience. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of growing a cherry tree from start to finish.

Gather Materials

The first step in growing a cherry tree from a pit is to gather all the necessary materials. You will need:

• A fresh cherry pit
• A plastic baggie
• A small pot
• Potting soil
• Water

Make sure to choose a cherry pit from a ripe fruit. The fresher the pit, the better your odds of success.

Prepare the Pit

Once you have a cherry pit, it's time to prepare it for planting. Rinse the pit using water and remove any remaining cherry flesh. Be careful not to damage the pit or the seed inside.

Dry the pit by placing it on a paper towel for a few hours. This will help the pit germinate more easily.

Germination

Germinating the cherry pit is the next step. Place the dried pit in a plastic baggie with a little bit of damp potting soil. Seal the bag and place it in a cool, dry place for four to six weeks.

After four to six weeks, check the baggie for signs of germination. If there is a small root emerging from the pit, it's ready for planting.

Planting

Now it's time to plant the germinated cherry pit. Fill a small pot with potting soil and make a small hole in the center. Place the cherry pit in the hole with the root facing down and cover it with soil.

Water the pot lightly and place it in a sunny spot. Keep the soil moist, but not too wet. After a few weeks, you should see a small sapling emerging from the soil.

Care and Maintenance

As your cherry tree sapling begins to grow, it's important to give it the proper care and maintenance. Here are some tips:

• Water the sapling regularly, but don't overwater it.
• Place the pot in a sunny spot.
• Fertilize the sapling once a month during growing season.
• Prune the sapling when it reaches about 18 inches in height to encourage bushy growth.
• Repot the sapling into a larger container when it outgrows its original pot.

Transplanting

Once your cherry tree has grown enough, it's time to transplant it outdoors. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the sapling.

Place the sapling in the hole and fill it with soil, then water it thoroughly. Make sure to space multiple trees at least 15 feet apart to allow for adequate growth.

Harvesting

It takes several years for a cherry tree to mature and produce fruit. But once it does, you'll be rewarded with delicious cherries! Once the cherries are fully ripe, gently pluck them from the tree. Rinse them under water and enjoy!

Growing a cherry tree from a pit is an easy and budget-friendly way to add beauty and flavor to your backyard. With these tips and tricks, you'll be able to successfully grow your own cherry tree from start to finish. Give it a try and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

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