Sweet Cherry Tree Seeds

Sweet Cherry Tree Seeds

(Prunus avium)

Prunus avium, commonly known as wild cherry or sweet cherry, is a species of cherry native to Europe, Anatolia, and western Asia. 

Description

• Tree Size: It typically grows to 30-60 feet tall, with a trunk up to 1.5 meters in diameter.
• Leaves: The leaves are 7-14 cm long and 4-7 cm broad, with a serrated margin.
• Flowers: The flowers are white, 2-3 cm in diameter, appearing in early spring.
• Fruit: The fruit is a drupe, 1-2 cm in diameter, bright red to dark purple when mature, and sweet to taste.

Uses

• Culinary: The fruit is commonly eaten fresh, but it's also used in cooking and baking. It is the primary ancestor of the cultivated sweet cherry.
• Wood: The wood is valued for furniture and cabinetry due to its fine grain and warm color.
• Ornamental: The tree is often planted in parks and large gardens for its beautiful spring blossoms.

Ecology

• Habitat: Prunus avium thrives in well-drained soils and prefers full sunlight. It is often found in woodlands and along hedgerows.
• Pollination: It is pollinated by insects, particularly bees.
• Wildlife: The fruit is a food source for birds and mammals, while the flowers provide nectar for pollinators.

Zones: 3 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:

Stratify the seeds to mimic natural winter conditions. Place them in a container with moist sand or peat moss, then stratify 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

After stratification, prepare a well-draining seed-starting mix in pots or a seed tray. Plant each seed about an inch deep in the soil.

Water the soil thoroughly and place the pots in a sunny location, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Once seedlings emerge and grow a few inches tall, they can be transplanted to their final location in the garden. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil.

Water regularly and mulch around the base to retain moisture. Prune and protect young trees as they grow.