One of the most loved signs of spring is the cherry blossom tree, which has beautiful pink or white flowers. They come from Japan and are also called sakura trees. People now grow them all over the world because they are so pretty. With some time and care, you can grow your own cherry blossom tree from seeds.
Why Grow from Seed?
Growing cherry blossom trees from seeds allows you to add new varieties to your landscape for free. It also gives you the satisfaction of nurturing a tree from seed to maturity. However it does require more time and effort than buying a young sapling from a nursery. Make sure you have the patience to care for a seedling for several years before it blooms.
Selecting and Preparing Seeds
You will need to buy cherry blossom seeds that will grow well in your area. Check out species like the Okame cherry, the Kwanzan cherry, the Yoshino cherry, or the weeping cherry. Before the seeds can sprout in the spring, they need to be dormant over the winter. If you can, choose “cold stratified” seeds.
Before planting, get the seeds ready by making small cuts or scratches in the hard shell. This process, called scarification, allows moisture to penetrate the interior. Soak the seeds in water overnight for extra hydration. Refrigerating seeds for 1-3 months mimics winter dormancy. You can, however, skip this step and plant the seeds right away if you are willing to wait 1-2 years for them to sprout.
Planting Seeds and Caring for Seedlings
It’s best to sow cherry blossom seeds outdoors in fall. Select a spot with full sun, well-draining soil, and shelter from wind Amend the soil with compost prior to planting Plant seeds 1⁄4-1⁄2 inch deep in rows spaced 12 inches apart. Water gently and keep the soil moist until sprouts appear.
If you want to plant seeds indoors, use clean potting mix in seed trays. Make sure the seeds get lots of light and that the soil stays moist and humid. Space seedlings 6 inches apart. Harden off new plants before moving them outside after the last frost in the spring. Space trees at least 10 feet apart.
For the first year, water seedlings regularly during dry periods. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Protect young cherry trees from deer, rodents, and insects with fencing or netting.
Timeline from Seed to Tree
On average, it takes:
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1-3 months for initial sprouting after stratifying and planting seeds
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1-2 years for a 6 inch tree to grow if sprouting seeds directly outdoors
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2-3 years to reach 1-2 feet tall when starting with transplanted seedlings
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5-8 years to grow an 8-10 foot tree that may start blooming
Have patience and provide the best care to get your cherry blossom tree flowering in less than a decade from seed to sapling!
Troubleshooting Cherry Trees Grown from Seed
Growing cherry trees from seeds does not always go smoothly. Here are some potential issues and solutions:
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Seeds failing to sprout: This is common. Start with at least twice as many seeds as desired trees. Scarify and stratify seeds thoroughly.
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Poor seedling growth: Ensure the soil drains well but retains moisture. Water and fertilize regularly. Give young trees partial shade in intense midday sun.
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Leaf curl: Fix by increasing water and humidity. Add organic mulch around the base. Prune for airflow.
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No blooms: Wait longer, at least 5-8 years for flowers. Ensure the tree gets full sun. Lack of a second compatible cherry tree can also prevent pollination.
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Insect pests: Chemically treat trees only as a last resort. Remove pests by hand or use organic sprays. Attract beneficial insects.
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Browning leaves: This indicates too little water. Check for root damage. Improve drainage and water more frequently.
With attentive care and persistence, you can grow stunning cherry blossom trees from seed. The effort pays off when those first flowers finally emerge! Enjoy the process and the orchid-like blooms.