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How to Germinate Cherry Pits

By: Bridget Kelly

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21 September, 2017

If you have kids, then you probably have enough cherry pits every summer to plant an orchard. Many people wonder if these can be planted and grow a cherry tree. The answer: yes, they can. The cherries from the tree that eventually grows may not have the same flavor and be of the same quality as the donor cherry. As well, it takes a cherry tree about three years to finally produce cherries. But planting a pit from a cherry is a fun project, the results of which will, eventually, be delicious.

Remove all the fruit from the cherry pit. You may have to lightly scrub it to get it all off. This is important, as any fruit remnants may cause the seed to mold and die.

If you have kids, then you probably have enough cherry pits every summer to plant an orchard.
But planting a pit from a cherry is a fun project, the results of which will, eventually, be delicious.

Place the pit in a bowl of warm water. Allow it to soak overnight.

Moisten 1/4 cup of sand and 1/4 cup of sphagnum peat moss and place it in a sandwich-sized plastic bag. Push the seed into the medium until it is enveloped completely. Seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator. You will need to leave it in the refrigerator for at least 90 days.

Check the pit weekly, to make sure that the soil remains moist. Also check the pit for signs of sprouting. If the pit sprouts, it is time to plant it in the pot.

Place the pit in a bowl of warm water.
If the pit sprouts, it is time to plant it in the pot.

Pour equal parts of vermiculite and potting soil into the planting pot and moisten well with water, allowing the excess to drain from the bottom of the pot.

Plant the cherry pit 1/2 inch into the soil and cover it with soil. Allow it to grow in the pot until all danger of frost has passed and you can plant it in the garden. Give it lots of sunshine in milder regions of the country, and morning sun and afternoon shade if it is hot in your area.