Cherries are a delicious and nutritious fruit , and their seeds can be used to plant cherry trees for ornamental purposes or to harvest fruit. However, cherry seeds don't germinate easily; they require certain treatments and conditions to germinate successfully. So, can cherry seeds germinate without removing the shell? Let's take a look.
1. Can cherry seeds germinate without removing the shell?
Cherry seeds can germinate without removing the husk, but germination is slow and the germination rate is significantly lower. To encourage faster germination, proper germination treatment is necessary. First, select plump, mature seeds and soak them in warm water for two to three hours. Then, soak them in cool water for two to three days to allow them to absorb sufficient moisture. Finally, cover them with damp sand to promote germination. Plant them only after they begin to sprout.
II. Selection and Treatment of Cherry Seeds
To germinate cherry seeds, the first step is to choose suitable seeds. Generally, select cherries that ripened that year, remove the pits, and rinse the pits thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining pulp. Let them air dry in a cool, shady place for 1-2 days. This removes any residual acidic substances from the pulp and prevents the seeds from molding or rotting.
Secondly, the outer shell of the cherry seeds needs to be processed. The outer shell of cherry seeds is very hard; if it is not removed or broken open, it will affect the seed's water absorption and respiration, hindering germination. There are two methods for processing: one is to gently tap open the shell with a hammer or pliers to remove the white embryo inside; the other is to bite open the shell with your teeth, being careful not to damage the embryo. Processed seeds should be whole, plump, free from insect damage, and free from mold.
III. Cherry seed germination methods
Processed cherry seeds can be germinated using the following methods:
1. Soaking method: Soak cherry seeds in warm water, changing the water once a day, keeping the water temperature at around 20-25℃. The seeds will germinate after about 10-15 days of soaking. This method is simple and easy, but care must be taken to prevent the water temperature from being too high or too low, and to prevent the presence of bacteria or impurities in the water.
2. Paper Towel Method: Wrap cherry seeds in a damp paper towel, place them in a sealed plastic bag, and put them in a warm, well-ventilated place. Check the moisture level of the paper towel daily; if it dries out, spray it with water. The seeds should germinate in about 7-10 days. This method maintains seed moisture and aeration, but be careful to prevent the paper towel from becoming moldy or damaged.
3. Low-temperature method: Place cherry seeds in the refrigerator's crisper compartment, maintaining a temperature between 0 and 5°C. The seeds will germinate in approximately 30 to 60 days. This method simulates the natural winter dormancy and spring germination process, but care must be taken to prevent odors or contaminants from entering the refrigerator.
