If i have Cherry seeds how long would I leave them to dry before I plant them?

Question

If i have Cherry seeds how long would I leave them to dry before I plant them?

Answer 1

Small quantities of seed that are commonly handled by home gardeners can be placed in small jars and kept in a refrigerator or ice box.

The length of the stratification period varies with seed of different species. The recommendation made for each species

is only an average and not an exact, standard period.

For the seed of some species, fall planting is a satisfactory substitute for stratification and saves time, labor, and space in cold storage. For these species, fall planting is effective if the seeds remain moist and are well protected from rodents and if the temperature in the winter stays low for a sufficient length of time.

Cherry (Prunus spp.) The seeds of all common species

of cherries have a period of dormancy. Various species and varieties of cherry differ somewhat in their stratification requirements. Some complete after-ripening in a course of four weeks while others require as long as 14 or more weeks under the same conditions. The after-ripening seeds germinate,

and the seedlings grow freely at a temperature close to freezing. Therefore, a long period of stratification cannot be recommended.

The following schedule is probably the safest:

Species Period (days) Temperature

P. mahaleb 88 37o F

P. avium (Mazzard) 100-125 37o F

P. serotina (Black) 30-60 30o-50o F

Small quantities of seed that are commonly handled by home gardeners can be placed in small jars and kept in a refrigerator or ice box.

The length of the stratification period varies with seed of different species. The recommendation made for each species

is only an average and not an exact, standard period.

For the seed of some species, fall planting is a satisfactory substitute for stratification and saves time, labor, and space in cold storage. For these species, fall planting is effective if the seeds remain moist and are well protected from rodents and if the temperature in the winter stays low for a sufficient length of time.