Mahaleb Cherry Tree Seeds

Mahaleb Cherry Tree Seeds

(Mahaleb Cherry)

Prunus mahaleb, commonly known as the Mahaleb Cherry or St Lucie Cherry, is a species of cherry native to Europe and Western Asia. 

Description:

• Height: Typically grows to about 6-30 feet tall.
• Bark: Dark brown or gray, often with prominent horizontal lenticels.
• Leaves: Deciduous, oval, and serrated, measuring 2-5 cm in length.
• Flowers: White, fragrant, and bloom in the spring in clusters.
• Fruit: Small, black cherries that are usually about 8-10 mm in diameter. The fruits are not typically eaten raw due to their bitter taste but are sometimes used in flavorings or liqueurs.

Uses:

• Culinary: The seeds are sometimes used as a spice in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, particularly in baking.
• Ornamental: Often used as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks.
• Rootstock: Commonly used as a rootstock for grafting other cherry species due to its hardiness and disease resistance.

Habitat:

• Native Range: Found across a wide range of habitats in Europe and Western Asia.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate poor soil conditions.

Other Information:

• Cultivation: Grows best in full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is drought-resistant once established.

Zones: 5 to 7

Stratification Requirement: Seed requires 30-60 days warm stratification followed by 90-120 cold. Soak in water at room temperature for 48 hours & change the water after 24 hours prior to the warm stratification. A few drops of Lemon Juice in the water will improve the results.

Planting Instructions: 

Planting Mahaleb Cherry Tree seeds requires some specific steps to ensure successful germination. Here’s a guide:

Stratification

• Stratify the seeds by soaking them in water for 24 hours.
• Place the seeds in a mix of moist sand, peat moss or seed starting mix.
• Seed requires 30-60 days warm stratification followed by 90-120 cold. Soak in water at room temperature for 48 hours & change the water after 24 hours prior to the warm stratification. A few drops of Lemon Juice in the water will improve the results

Soil Preparation

• Choose a well-draining soil mix. A mix of sand, peat, and loam works well.
• Prepare small pots or a seed tray with the soil mix.

Planting

• Sow the stratified seeds about 1/2 inch deep in the soil.
• Lightly cover the seeds with soil.

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Use a spray bottle to mist the soil surface to avoid disturbing the seeds.

Light and Temperature

• Place the pots or seed tray in a location with bright, indirect sunlight.
• Maintain a temperature of around 68-75°F (20-24°C) during germination.

Germination

• Germination can take 2-3 weeks. 
• Be patient and maintain consistent care during this period.

Transplanting

• Once the seedlings have grown a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden.
• Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

Care

• Water the young plants regularly, ensuring the soil stays moist.
  

By following these steps, you can successfully grow Mahaleb Cherry Trees from seeds.