- Before any planting can take place, you need to stratify the cherry seeds.Stratification weakens the tough outer shell of the cherry pit so that the seed itself can grow. In nature, stratification takes place over winter as the pit undergoes freezing and wind. You can replicate this process in your refrigerator. Bury the pit or seed in a bag or seeding tray full of moistened vermiculite or peat moss. Store the bag at 33 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit for six to eight weeks for sweet cherry, or 12 to 20 weeks for sour cherry.
- Once the seed is stratified, it's time to plant. Sow the seed directly into your garden in early spring, when the weather is still cold but you can work the soil. This will allow the seed to gradually adjust to warming temperatures. Plant the seed ½ to ¾ inch deep; it must be close to the surface to gradually warm from the sun. Moisten the soil around the seed thoroughly to encourage germination. Plant at least three or four seeds at the same time, since there is no guarantee that a single seed will germinate. If you get multiple trees and only want one, you can also remove the extra saplings later.
- The cherry seed will germinate and begin to sprout in mid to late spring, as the weather and soil temperatures gradually warm. Depending on the climate for your area, this will probably occur in March, April or May. The tree will begin to produce fruit within seven to 10 years after planting
- Unlike other plants that you propagate from seeds taken directly from fruit or flower heads, cherry seeds will not produce clones of the parent plant. Therefore, when you get the cherry to grow, there is no way of knowing for sure what the cherries will taste like, how the tree will produce or any diseases or infections that it is prone to. Treat every cherry as completely individual and don't be discouraged if your new tree produces more sour or more sweet fruit than your original intention judging by its parent.
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