From Stone to Seedling: How to Grow Cherries in Just 7 Days at No Cost

Growing cherries from seeds is a rewarding and cost-effective way to start your own fruit garden. By using cherry pits that you may otherwise discard, you can cultivate seedlings in just a week. Here’s how to do it step-by-step!

What You’ll Need

  • Cherry Pits: Gather from fresh cherries.
  • Water: Room temperature.
  • Paper Towels: For the germination process.
  • Plastic Bag: To create a humid environment.
  • Potting Soil: For planting seedlings (optional for the first week).

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Pits

  1. Remove the Pits: After enjoying fresh cherries, extract the pits. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any fruit residue.
  2. Dry the Pits: Allow the pits to air dry for a day or two in a cool, dry place.

Step 2: Germinate the Pits

  1. Soak the Pits: Place the dried pits in a bowl of room temperature water for 24 hours. This helps to soften the outer shell.
  2. Wrap in Paper Towels: After soaking, place the pits on a damp paper towel. Fold the towel over to cover them completely.
  3. Create Humidity: Place the wrapped pits in a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Seal the bag, but leave a small opening for air circulation.

Step 3: Wait for Germination

  1. Store in a Warm Place: Keep the plastic bag in a warm area, ideally between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C).
  2. Check for Sprouts: After about 5-7 days, check the pits for tiny sprouts. If you see them, it’s time to plant!

Step 4: Plant the Seedlings

  1. Prepare the Potting Soil: If you choose to transplant the seedlings, fill a small pot with well-draining potting soil.
  2. Plant the Sprouted Pits: Plant the sprouted pits about 1 inch deep in the soil, ensuring the sprout is pointing upwards.
  3. Water Gently: Water lightly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Step 5: Care for Your Seedlings

  1. Provide Light: Place the pot in a sunny location, ensuring it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
  2. Maintain Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist, watering as needed.
  3. Thin if Necessary: If multiple seedlings sprout in one pot, thin them out by snipping the weaker ones at the base.

Conclusion

By following these simple steps, you can grow cherry seedlings from discarded pits in just seven days at no cost! Enjoy the process and look forward to eventually planting them in your garden, where they can thrive and produce delicious cherries in the future.

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