🌱 Can You Grow Cherries from Seed in the UK?
🇬🇧 Introduction: Cherry Growing, the Seed Way
Ever eaten a delicious cherry and wondered, “Could I plant the stone?” The answer is yes—but with a few key things to know. Growing cherry trees from seed is a fun, rewarding way to start your own fruit tree journey, but it does take time, patience, and a bit of preparation.
Whether you’re dreaming of sweet cherries or morello varieties, here’s everything UK gardeners need to know about starting cherry trees from scratch.
🍒 Can You Really Grow Cherries from Pits?
Yes, but it’s not as simple as just planting the pit in soil. Cherry seeds (pits or stones) need to go through a period of cold treatment (stratification) to mimic winter and trigger germination.
Also, trees grown from seed may not be identical to the fruit you ate—especially if the parent tree was grafted or hybridised. However, they can still produce delicious cherries with the right care.
🧪 Step-by-Step: How to Grow Cherry Trees from Seed
Step 1: Eat the Cherry & Clean the Stone
- Choose ripe, locally-grown cherries (sweet or sour).
- Rinse the stones thoroughly and let them dry for a few days.
Step 2: Stratify the Seeds
- Place the clean, dry stones in damp compost or kitchen paper inside a sealed container or bag.
- Store in the fridge for 8 to 12 weeks. Check occasionally for mould and moisture.
- This mimics winter, which is essential for germination.
Step 3: Sow the Seeds
- After chilling, plant each stone 2–3 cm deep in pots filled with moist, well-draining compost.
- Keep in a bright, sheltered spot outdoors (like a cold frame or greenhouse).
- Germination can take 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer.
Step 4: Care for the Seedlings
- Once they sprout, move into bigger pots or harden off for outdoor planting.
- Water regularly, protect from frost and slugs, and allow to grow strong for transplanting.
🧑‍🌾 When to Plant Cherry Seeds in the UK
- Best time to start chilling seeds: Late autumn (October–December)
- Plant after stratification: Late winter to early spring (February–March)
- Transplant outdoors: After last frost, usually May
🪴 Where to Grow Cherry Trees in the UK
- Sweet cherries: Prefer full sun and shelter; ideal for south-facing gardens
- Sour (morello) cherries: Tolerate light shade; good for cooler spots
- Use a deep, well-draining soil and avoid waterlogged areas
⏳ How Long Does It Take to Bear Fruit?
- Trees grown from seed may take 5 to 10 years to fruit—sometimes longer.
- They may not match the parent tree exactly in size, flavour, or fruit quality.
- Grafted trees are faster and more predictable, but growing from seed is more natural and rewarding.
🌳 Pros & Cons of Growing from Seed
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low-cost and fun | Long wait for fruit (5–10 years) |
| Great learning experience | Fruit may be lower quality or different |
| No need to buy a tree | Unpredictable results |
| Can grow multiple trees | Larger trees than dwarf grafted types |
đź’ˇ Tips for Success
- Grow several stones at once—some may fail.
- Once established, prune in summer to shape and maintain health.
- Protect young trees from rabbits and deer if planted outdoors.
- Label your seedlings with the cherry variety and date started.
đź’¬ FAQs
1. Can I plant a cherry pit straight into the soil?
You can, but germination is unlikely unless it has gone through a cold winter or fridge stratification.
2. Will the fruit be the same as the one I ate?
Probably not—it may be similar, but genetics can vary unless it’s a cloned graft.
3. Do I need more than one cherry tree?
Some varieties are self-fertile, but having more than one improves pollination and yield.
4. Is it better to grow from seed or buy a tree?
Buying a tree gives faster and more reliable results, but seed growing is great for learning and experimenting.
5. Can I grow cherries in pots?
Yes—especially dwarf varieties. Seed-grown trees will likely need planting out eventually.
đź“‹ Quick Summary
- Yes, you can grow cherries from seed in the UK with cold treatment.
- Clean, dry, and chill seeds for 8–12 weeks.
- Germination may take weeks to months.
- Expect fruit in 5–10 years—results may vary from the original cherry.
🌟 Conclusion
Growing cherries from seed is a lovely way to connect with nature and start your own long-term fruit project. While not the fastest method, it’s a low-cost, satisfying way to grow something from scratch—especially for gardeners who enjoy a challenge and a surprise.