Cherry blossom trees, with their gorgeous pink or white flowers, are one of the most beloved signs of spring. Also known as sakura trees, they originate from Japan but are now grown around the world for their beauty. If you’d like to grow your own cherry blossom tree, you can do so from seeds with a bit of time and care.
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’ll need to acquire cherry blossom seeds that are suitable for your climate. Look for species like Yoshino cherry, Kwanzan cherry, weeping cherries, or Okame cherry. The seeds need to experience winter dormancy before they will sprout in spring, so choose “cold stratified” seeds if possible.
Before planting, prepare the seeds by scratching or nicking the hard outer 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. However, you can choose to skip this stratification step and plant seeds directly if you have the patience to wait 1-2 years for sprouting.
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 planting seeds indoors, use sterile potting mix in seed trays Provide lots of light and maintain humidity and soil moisture Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart. Harden off young plants before transplanting them outside in spring after the last frost. 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.
Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Seeds Germination
A prior treatment with Scarification (weakening the hard outer shell) and Stratification (mimicking winter to encourage germination for certain types of seeds) is recommended for most Sakura (Cherry Blossom) seeds to achieve high germination rate.
*Orders will arrive from our greenhouse supplier in protected envelopes. Inside will be a sealed grey package containing your seed packs. The below is an example of what a delivered order will look like*
Here are the steps for scarification:
In the following sections of our guide we refer to hydrogen peroxide to help weaken the outer shell as it also helps prevent mold, but there are other ways to scarify your seeds that make work better, and it is best to find the method that works best for you.
This process can be used for many types of seeds that “hibernate” in the winter so they can grow in the spring.
How to germinate cherry seeds without cold stratification
FAQ
How long does it take to grow a cherry blossom tree from seed?
It might take as long as 2 weeks for your seeds to germinate, and this period can be extended for several months, You can wait up to a full year for the seeds to sprout! To bear fruit, cherry trees grown from seed can take 7 to 10 years to reach maturity, while other varieties can reach maturity in about 4 to 5 years.
How to start a cherry blossom seed?
- Soak seeds to remove pulp. Put seeds in a bowl of warm water. …
- Dry the seeds. …
- Refrigerate seeds for 10 weeks. …
- Bring pits to room temperature. …
- Plant in small container. …
- Cull seedlings. …
- Plant outside.
Are cherry blossom trees easy to grow?
Cherry Blossom Trees are mildly drought tolerant, but they do not withstand severe or long-term droughts easily. This adaptably flowering tree is easy to grow in most yard locations. Simply provide adequate water, and the flowers will be the first of many thank-you gifts!
How to germinate a cherry tree seed?
To germinate a cherry tree seed, you need to mimic winter conditions (cold stratification) before planting. First, clean the cherry pits and allow them to dry for a few days. Then, place them in a moist medium (like peat moss or sand) in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 10-12 weeks.