Cherries, how to grow a plant in 7 days at no cost: all you need is the stone
Growing a cherry plant quickly and efficiently can be an exciting process, especially when using a straightforward method to speed up germination. Here’s the secret to getting your cherry plant started in just a few days instead of waiting months:
Quick Method to Grow a Cherry Plant from Seed
Step 1: Select Ripe Cherries
Start by choosing ripe cherries that have a rich, deep red color. The riper the fruit, the more likely you are to find seeds (stones) inside that are ready for planting.
Step 2: Extract and Clean the Stone
Once you’ve eaten or cut the cherries, extract the stone from inside. Thoroughly clean off any remaining pulp, as the stone must be free of any residue.
Step 3: Speed Up Germination
Here’s where you can drastically reduce the waiting time for a seedling to appear:
- Crack the Stone: Use a nutcracker to create a small crack in the hard outer shell of the stone. This allows the embryo inside to germinate faster. Alternatively, you can completely remove the hard shell to expose the embryo directly.
- If you remove the shell and use only the embryo, you can expect the plant to start growing in about 40 days. However, if you leave the stone intact, germination could take 5-6 months.
Step 4: Plant the Seed
- Fill a small pot with soil.
- Make a 1-centimeter deep hole in the center using a teaspoon.
- Place the cracked stone or embryo into the hole, cover it with soil, and lightly spray with water.
- Keep the soil moist at all times to encourage germination.
Step 5: Watch It Grow
After around 40 days, you’ll see the seedling start to emerge from the soil. Initially, a root will appear, followed by a small shoot. Within a week, the seedling may grow to about 2 centimeters tall, and after two weeks, it will begin to develop its first leaves.
Step 6: First-Year Growth
- In the first year, the cherry plant will primarily focus on growing its root system. However, after about 15 days, you can expect the plant to be around 10 centimeters tall and developing foliage.
- After several months, your cherry plant will continue to grow. Once it reaches a height of around 1.5 meters and the trunk diameter is 2 centimeters, it will be ready for grafting, which will help it produce larger and tastier fruits.
Benefits of Growing Cherries at Home
Aside from the joy of growing your own fruit, cherry trees offer many benefits:
- Nutritional Value: Cherries are rich in potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and C, making them a healthy addition to your diet.
- Delicious Flavor: Home-grown cherries are full of flavor and can be enjoyed fresh or in various culinary dishes.
This method is not only simple but also much faster than traditional approaches, helping you enjoy a cherry plant in your garden sooner than expected!
