Growing Cherry Trees from Seed: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Growing cherry trees from seed is possible but requires specific cold treatment (stratification) for 90-140 days, with germination rates typically between 20-50%. Expect 3-7 years before fruiting, and be aware that seed-grown trees often produce different quality fruit than the parent due to genetic variation. This complete guide reveals the precise steps for successful germination and realistic expectations for home growers.

Why Growing Cherry Trees from Seed Isn't What You Expect

Many gardeners dream of growing a cherry tree from the pit of their favorite fruit, but reality often differs from expectation. Unlike many plants, cherry trees (Prunus avium for sweet cherries, Prunus cerasus for sour cherries) grown from seed rarely produce fruit identical to the parent tree due to genetic diversity. Commercial orchards almost exclusively use grafted trees to ensure consistent fruit quality.

"Cherry seeds contain a genetic lottery," explains horticultural experts at the Oregon State University Extension Service. "While you might get a superior tree, more often the fruit will be smaller, less flavorful, or the tree may lack disease resistance."

When Growing from Seed Makes Sense

Despite these challenges, growing cherry trees from seed has legitimate purposes:

• Creating rootstock for future grafting
• Developing new varieties through selective breeding
• Enjoying the educational process of tree propagation
• Establishing trees in regions where commercial varieties aren't available

Cherry Type	Stratification Required	Time to Fruit	Fruit Consistency
Sweet Cherries	100-140 days	5-7 years	Highly variable
Sour Cherries	90-120 days	3-5 years	Moderately variable
Dwarf Varieties	95-130 days	4-6 years	Variable

The Complete Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Selecting and Preparing Quality Seeds

Not all cherry pits will germinate successfully. For best results:

• Choose pits from fully ripe, locally grown cherries (imported cherries often come from trees treated with growth inhibitors)
• Remove all fruit residue by gently scrubbing under running water
• Air-dry pits for 2-3 days away from direct sunlight
• Test viability by placing in water—seeds that sink generally have better germination potential

Step 2: The Critical Cold Stratification Process

This mimics winter conditions necessary for cherry seed germination. The University of Minnesota Extension confirms that skipping this step results in near-zero germination rates.

Proper stratification technique:

1. Moisten a mixture of equal parts peat moss and sand until damp (not wet)
2. Place seeds in a labeled plastic bag with the mixture
3. Store in refrigerator at 33-41°F (1-5°C)
4. Check monthly for mold and moisture levels
5. For sweet cherries: 100-140 days; sour cherries: 90-120 days

Step 3: Planting Your Stratified Seeds

After the cold period, plant your seeds immediately:

• Use 4-6" pots with drainage holes filled with well-draining potting mix
• Plant seeds 1-2" deep with the pointed end down
• Water thoroughly but avoid waterlogging
• Place in warm location (65-75°F/18-24°C) with indirect light
• Germination typically occurs within 2-8 weeks

Step 4: First-Year Care for Seedling Trees

Cherry seedlings require careful attention during their first growing season:

• Water when top inch of soil feels dry—avoid both drought and waterlogging
• Provide 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Fertilize monthly with balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer at half strength
• Protect from extreme temperatures (below 25°F/-4°C or above 95°F/35°C)
• Watch for aphids and other common pests

Realistic Timeline and Expectations

Understanding the long-term commitment is crucial when growing cherry trees from seed. The USDA Forest Service notes that stone fruit trees follow predictable growth patterns:

Time Period	Expected Development	Care Focus
0-3 months	Germination and first true leaves	Consistent moisture, protection from elements
3-12 months	1-3 feet of growth, developing root system	Regular watering, gradual sun exposure, pest monitoring
1-3 years	Establishing tree structure, possible flowering	Pruning, winter protection, soil nutrition
3-7+ years	First fruit production (if at all)	Pollination support, disease prevention, proper harvesting

Advanced Considerations for Better Results

When to Consider Grafting

For those serious about fruit production, grafting your seedling with a known variety after 2-3 years significantly improves fruit quality. The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources recommends waiting until your seedling reaches pencil-thickness (about 1/4") before attempting grafting.

Climate and Variety Selection

Cherry trees have specific climate requirements:

• Sweet cherries generally require 700-900 chill hours (temperatures below 45°F/7°C)
• Sour cherries need 1,200-1,500 chill hours
• Some newer varieties like 'Stella' are self-fertile, while most require cross-pollination
• Zones 5-7 typically provide ideal conditions for most cherry varieties

Troubleshooting Common Problems

When growing cherry trees from seed, you may encounter these issues:

• No germination: Insufficient stratification time or poor seed viability
• Weak growth: Inadequate sunlight or nutrient-deficient soil
• Leaf discoloration: Often indicates improper watering or nutrient imbalance
• No flowering: Tree may still be too young or lack proper chill hours

Is Growing Cherry Trees from Seed Worth It?

For patient gardeners interested in the process rather than immediate fruit production, growing cherry trees from seed offers a rewarding experience. However, if your primary goal is reliable, high-quality cherry production, purchasing a grafted tree of a known variety remains the most efficient approach. Many home orchardists find value in growing seedlings as rootstock for future grafting projects, combining the satisfaction of propagation with the reliability of proven varieties.

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

After proper cold stratification, cherry seeds typically germinate within 2-8 weeks when kept at 65-75°F (18-24°C). Sweet cherry varieties often take longer (4-8 weeks) than sour cherries (2-6 weeks).

Can I grow a cherry tree from grocery store cherries?

It's possible but challenging. Most commercially imported cherries come from trees treated with growth inhibitors that affect seed viability. Locally grown cherries provide better seeds. Even with ideal seeds, only 20-50% will successfully germinate with proper technique.

Why aren't my cherry seeds sprouting?

Most commonly, insufficient cold stratification time is the issue. Cherry seeds require 90-140 days of cold treatment depending on variety. Other causes include dried-out seeds, mold during storage, improper planting depth, or inadequate warmth after stratification.

Do cherry trees grown from seed produce fruit?

Yes, but typically not for 3-7 years, and the fruit quality often differs significantly from the parent tree due to genetic variation. Most commercial cherry varieties are grafted specifically to maintain desirable fruit characteristics that don't come true from seed.

What's the success rate for growing cherry trees from seed?

With proper technique, germination rates typically range from 20-50%. Of those that germinate, about 60-70% will survive the first year with appropriate care. Only a fraction will ultimately produce quality fruit, which explains why commercial growers rely on grafting instead of seed propagation.