How to Grow Cherry Seeds: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Yes, you can grow a cherry tree from seed, but it takes patience—typically 7-10 years to bear fruit. Proper cold stratification for 90-140 days is essential for germination, and most seed-grown trees won't produce fruit identical to the parent due to genetic variation. For reliable fruit production, grafting onto established rootstock is recommended.

From Pit to Tree: Your Complete Guide to Growing Cherry Seeds Successfully

Have you ever wondered if that cherry pit you just ate could become a fruit-bearing tree? While growing cherry trees from seed requires patience and careful attention to specific conditions, it's a rewarding project for gardeners who enjoy the full lifecycle of plants. Unlike purchasing a grafted sapling, growing from seed connects you to the entire botanical journey—but it's not without challenges. Let's explore exactly what you need to know to maximize your chances of success.

Why Growing Cherry Seeds Differs From Other Fruit Trees

Cherry seeds present unique challenges compared to apples or pears. Sweet cherry varieties (Prunus avium) and sour cherries (Prunus cerasus) both require specific temperature conditions to break dormancy. According to horticultural research from Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, cherry seeds need 90-140 days of consistent cold stratification at 34-40°F (1-4°C) to germinate properly—a process that mimics winter conditions in nature.

Cherry Type	Stratification Period	Germination Rate	Fruit Production Timeline
Sweet Cherries	120-140 days	30-40%	7-10 years
Sour Cherries	90-120 days	50-60%	5-7 years

This data from the Cornell University Fruit Research and Extension highlights why many commercial growers prefer grafting—seed-grown trees show significant genetic variation, meaning your tree's fruit may differ substantially from the parent cherry.

The Critical Cold Stratification Process: Step-by-Step

Skipping proper stratification is the most common reason for failed cherry seed germination. Here's how to do it right:

Step 1: Seed Selection and Preparation

• Choose seeds from fully ripe, locally grown cherries (imported cherries often come from trees treated with growth inhibitors)
• Clean seeds thoroughly to remove all fruit residue (sugars attract mold)
• Soak cleaned seeds in room temperature water for 24 hours
• Perform a float test—discard any seeds that float (indicates poor viability)

Step 2: Moist-Chilling Treatment

1. Wrap seeds in slightly damp paper towel (not soaking wet)
2. Place in labeled plastic bag with ventilation holes
3. Store in refrigerator (not freezer) at 34-40°F (1-4°C)
4. Check weekly for mold and re-moisten if drying out
5. Monitor for root emergence (typically 90+ days)

Planting Your Germinated Cherry Seed

Once you see the taproot emerge (about 1/4 inch long), it's time to plant:

Container Selection and Soil Preparation

Use a 6-8 inch pot with drainage holes. Fill with a mix of:

• 50% potting soil
• 30% perlite
• 20% compost

Avoid garden soil, which may contain pathogens. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends this sterile mix for stone fruit seedlings to prevent damping-off disease.

Planting Technique

1. Create a 2-inch deep hole in the center of your pot
2. Place seed horizontally with root pointing down
3. Cover with soil and water gently
4. Maintain consistent moisture (not soggy)
5. Place in bright, indirect light

First-Year Care: Setting Up for Long-Term Success

Cherry seedlings need careful attention during their first year:

Light Requirements

Provide 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If growing indoors, use a south-facing window or supplemental grow lights. Insufficient light causes weak, leggy growth that won't withstand outdoor conditions.

Watering Schedule

Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. The University of California's Agriculture and Natural Resources department recommends checking soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep—water only when the soil feels dry at this depth.

Temperature Management

Cherry seedlings prefer daytime temperatures of 65-75°F (18-24°C) and nighttime temperatures no lower than 50°F (10°C). Protect from frost during the first two winters, as young trees lack established cold hardiness.

Realistic Expectations: What to Know Before You Begin

While growing cherry trees from seed is possible, understand these limitations:

• Genetic variation: Seed-grown cherries rarely produce fruit identical to the parent tree due to cross-pollination
• Extended timeline: Expect 5-10 years before fruiting, compared to 2-4 years for grafted trees
• Space requirements: Standard cherry trees reach 25-35 feet tall—consider dwarfing rootstock if space is limited
• Disease vulnerability: Seedlings lack the disease resistance bred into modern cultivars

The USDA Agricultural Research Service notes that only about 25% of cherry seedlings produce commercially viable fruit, which explains why nurseries primarily sell grafted trees. However, growing from seed remains valuable for breeding new varieties or creating rootstock for grafting.

When to Consider Grafting Instead

If your goal is reliable fruit production, grafting your seedling onto established rootstock offers significant advantages:

• Reduces time to fruiting by 3-5 years
• Ensures fruit quality matches your desired variety
• Provides disease resistance from selected rootstock
• Controls tree size for easier harvesting

Many home gardeners successfully grow cherry trees by grafting scions from favorite varieties onto their seedling rootstock when the seedling reaches pencil thickness (usually year 2-3).

Troubleshooting Common Cherry Seed Problems

No Germination After Stratification

Possible causes:

• Insufficient cold period (below 90 days)
• Temperature fluctuations during stratification
• Seeds from hybrid or treated fruit
• Mold damage during storage

Weak or Leggy Growth After Planting

Solutions:

• Increase light exposure gradually
• Rotate pot regularly for even growth
• Avoid over-fertilizing young seedlings
• Consider supplemental lighting during short winter days

Final Thoughts: Is Growing Cherry Seeds Worth the Effort?

Growing cherry trees from seed serves different purposes for different gardeners. If you're seeking a specific fruit variety for eating, purchasing a grafted tree remains the most practical option. However, if you're interested in plant breeding, creating rootstock, or simply enjoying the complete growth cycle from seed to tree, this process offers unique satisfaction.

Remember that patience is essential—cherry trees grown from seed require several years of care before producing fruit. Document your progress with photos (like those captured in spice markets by food photographers worldwide), and you'll create a valuable record of your horticultural journey.

How long does it take for a cherry seed to germinate after stratification?

Most cherry seeds germinate 90-140 days after beginning cold stratification, with sour cherries typically sprouting sooner (90-120 days) than sweet cherries (120-140 days). You'll first see a small white root emerging from the seed before the stem develops.

Can I grow a cherry tree from store-bought cherries?

It's possible but less reliable. Imported cherries often come from trees treated with growth inhibitors, and commercial varieties may have been grown in different climate zones. For best results, use seeds from locally grown cherries during their natural season.

Why aren't my cherry seeds sprouting after cold stratification?

Common reasons include insufficient cold period (less than 90 days), temperature fluctuations during stratification, mold damage, or using seeds from hybrid varieties. Ensure seeds stayed consistently at 34-40°F (1-4°C) for the full recommended period without drying out or becoming waterlogged.

Do cherry trees grown from seed produce fruit like the parent tree?

Rarely. Due to genetic variation from cross-pollination, seed-grown cherry trees typically produce fruit different from the parent. This is why commercial growers use grafting—to preserve specific fruit characteristics. Seedlings are mainly used for creating rootstock or breeding new varieties.

When should I move my cherry seedling outdoors permanently?

Wait until after your last expected frost date and when the seedling has developed 3-4 sets of true leaves. Begin with 1-2 hours of morning sun, gradually increasing exposure over 7-10 days (hardening off) before leaving outdoors full-time.