Growing cherry tree from a pit - Ask Extension
I'm wondering if the UMN north star cherry tree they developed in 1950 can be grown from a cherry pit. Will the tree be true to it's parent. Thanks
Knowledgebase
Growing cherry tree from a pit #488752
Asked October 05, 2018, 3:48 PM EDT
I'm wondering if the UMN north star cherry tree they developed in 1950 can be grown from a cherry pit. Will the tree be true to it's parent. Thanks
Douglas County Minnesota
Expert Response
Probably not. I found once source (Jung's Seed catalog) which lists North Star as hybrid (not open pollinated). Many of the characteristics of the tree you grow may be different - size, bloom time, hardiness, flavor, for example.
Furthermore, growing a tree from seed is going to add several years until maturity. North Star produces fruit in quantity in only 2 or 3 years when planting a potted tree.
If you decide to try to grow a cherry tree from a North Star pit, remember that cherry seeds need a cold treatment. After cleaning and drying the seeds, either store them inside over winter, with a substantial period in the refrigerator preceding spring planting, or plant them outside in the fall.
Furthermore, growing a tree from seed is going to add several years until maturity. North Star produces fruit in quantity in only 2 or 3 years when planting a potted tree.
If you decide to try to grow a cherry tree from a North Star pit, remember that cherry seeds need a cold treatment. After cleaning and drying the seeds, either store them inside over winter, with a substantial period in the refrigerator preceding spring planting, or plant them outside in the fall.
