SAEDNEWS: Now that we’re in cherry season, you might be curious to try planting the pits in a pot and growing your very own cherry tree.
According to the Plant & Flower Service of SaedNews, to grow a cherry pit in a pot, you first need to dry and cold-treat the pit. Then, plant it in a suitable pot and care for it until it grows to the desired size. Below is a step-by-step guide to planting this fruit's pit.
If you want to plant and grow a cherry pit in a pot, simply follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Select Healthy Pits
Choose pits from fully ripe and healthy cherries. Avoid fruits that are moldy, rotten, or underripe.
Step 2: Dry the Pits
Remove the pits completely from the cherry flesh and rinse them with water. Then lay them on a clean towel and let them dry thoroughly for 3 to 5 days.
Step 3: Cold-Treat the Pits
Cherry pits need a period of cold to germinate. Place the pits in a slightly damp organic soil or a moist towel and put them inside a ziplock bag. Store the bag in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 weeks, checking occasionally to ensure the towel or soil doesn’t dry out.
Step 4: Prepare the Pot
After the cold treatment, choose a pot with a depth of at least 20 cm (8 inches) and drainage holes. Use a light, nutrient-rich, well-draining soil mix such as garden soil combined with perlite and a little compost.
Step 5: Plant the Pit
Plant the pits about 2 to 3 cm (0.8–1.2 inches) deep in the soil. Cover them lightly and water with a spray bottle or lukewarm water to moisten the soil. Place the pot in a warm spot with indirect sunlight. Germination usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Step 6: Repot the Seedlings
After a few months, when the plant reaches about 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) in height, transfer it to a larger pot to give the roots more space to grow.
To keep your potted cherry tree healthy and thriving, follow these tips:
Cherry trees need plenty of sunlight. Place the pot in a location with direct or partial sunlight. Morning sun during the growing season (spring and summer) is especially beneficial.
Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering or waterlogging at the bottom of the pot. Let the soil surface dry slightly before watering again.
Cherry trees prefer cool air. During summer, moderate temperatures are ideal, and in winter, a period of cold is necessary to stimulate flowering.
During the growing season (spring to early autumn), use a liquid fertilizer formulated for fruiting plants once a month.
Pruning dry or interfering branches promotes better growth. Remove weak branches in late winter or early spring.
Every 2–3 years, replace the potting soil, and if the roots have outgrown the pot, transfer the tree to a larger container.
