How to Grow a Cherry Tree: Step-by-Step Cherry Gardening Tips
Cherry gardening is one of the most rewarding projects for beginner to intermediate gardeners. Whether you dream of homemade cherry pie, fresh fruit in summer, or simply a beautiful flowering tree, growing cherry trees can be a joy.
But before you jump into growing cherries, it’s helpful to understand the best way to start. Many gardeners wonder how to grow a cherry tree from a pit, how to grow cherry pits, or even can you grow a cherry tree from a pit? Yes—you can. But there’s a better way.
This guide explains how to grow cherry trees, why choosing young trees or saplings is far more reliable than starting from seeds, and the step-by-step process for planting cherry trees at home. We’ll also walk through growing conditions, care tips, timelines, and trusted varieties you can plant.
Why Start With Young Cherry Trees Instead of Cherry Pits?
Many people look up how to grow cherry pits, how to grow a cherry pit, or how to grow cherry trees from seed because it sounds fun and inexpensive. However, growing from seed—also called growing a cherry tree from a pit—has major drawbacks:
1. Seed-grown cherry trees rarely grow true to type
If you're learning how can you grow a cherry tree from seed, know that your new tree may not match the parent. The fruit quality, size, and even whether it will bear fruit at all is unpredictable.
2. They take much longer to mature
When asking how long does it take a cherry tree to grow, seed-grown trees often take 7–10 years or more to produce fruit—if they produce any at all.
3. Disease resistance is uncertain
Professionally grafted young trees are selected for strength, vigor, and disease resistance, while seed-grown trees have unknown genetics.
4. Saplings give faster, more reliable results
A purchased sapling can fruit in 3–4 years, making it ideal for beginners who want success sooner.
If you still want to explore growing from seed, this guide explains the basics—but we strongly recommend starting with grafted bare-root cherry trees like those found here: Shop cherry trees collection.
Best Cherry Varieties for Home Gardeners
Here are excellent choices for ease of care, flavor, and productivity:
- Bing Cherry Tree – Classic sweet cherry with rich flavor.
- Lapins Cherry Tree – Self-fertile, heavy producer.
- Rainier Cherry Tree – Yellow-and-red gourmet cherry.
- Stella Cherry Tree – Self-fertile and great for small spaces.
- Montmorency Cherry Tree – The most popular sour cherry tree for tart cherries, perfect for baking.
- Royal Crimson Cherry Tree – Early harvest and vigorous growth.
These are hardy, dependable, and beginner-friendly—much more predictable than starting with cherry pits.
Where Do Cherry Trees Grow?
Gardeners often ask where do cherry trees grow, where do cherries grow, and where does cherry trees grow best. The answer: cherry trees thrive in regions with cold winters and warm, dry summers.
- Sweet cherry trees: USDA Zones 5–9
- Sour cherry trees: USDA Zones 4–7
They need winter chill hours, good drainage, and full sun. For more detail on seasonal timing, read: A Gardener’s Guide to Cherry Season
How to Grow a Cherry Tree (Step-by-Step)
Whether you’re growing a cherry tree, learning how do I grow a cherry tree, or planting your first orchard, these steps will help.
1. Choose the Right Time to Plant
The best time to plant is late winter to early spring when trees are still dormant. Many gardeners ask whether you can plant in fall—yes, you can plant a cherry tree in October in mild climates.
2. Pick the Right Location
Cherry trees require:
- Full sun (at least 6 hours daily)
- Well-draining soil
- Room to grow—standard trees need 20 feet of space; dwarf varieties need less.
Check how tall do cherry trees grow:
- Standard: 25–35 feet tall
- Dwarf: 8–12 feet tall
3. Dig a Proper Hole
When planting young trees, dig a hole twice as wide as the root system but no deeper than the roots themselves.
4. Planting Cherry Trees Properly
- Place the tree so the graft union sits above soil level.
- Backfill with native soil—not heavy potting soil.
- Water deeply.
5. Watering and Growing Conditions
Early growing season care is essential:
- Water once weekly in the first year.
- Keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Mulch 2–3 inches deep, keeping mulch away from the trunk.
6. Prune to Shape the Tree
Learn more about pruning fundamentals here: Pruning Tips for Cherry Trees
7. Protect From Pests & Birds
Birds love cherries—netting may be needed once your tree begins to bear fruit.
Growing from Pits: What to Expect
If you're determined to learn how to grow a cherry tree from a cherry pit, here's the quick version:
- Clean and dry cherry pits.
- Cold-stratify them in the refrigerator for 8–12 weeks.
- Plant in pots until seedlings emerge.
But remember: growing this way is slow, uncertain, and unpredictable. For full instructions, read: Growing Cherries From Seed: Tips for Success
Conclusion
Cherry tree cultivation is achievable even for beginners when you start with grafted young trees rather than seeds. With full sun, proper spacing, and steady care, you’ll enjoy growing cherry trees that reward you with flowers, shade, and delicious fruit. Whether you're planting sweet cherry trees or exploring sour cherry trees, the right start makes all the difference.
Shop reliable, productive trees here: Browse Bare-Root Cherry Trees collection.
