Choose ripe cherries from a healthy tree or store-bought cherries
Remove the flesh completely from the pits
Rinse the pits thoroughly and let them dry
Crack the hard outer pit carefully to extract the seed, if desired
Place the seeds in a damp paper towel or moist peat moss
Seal the seeds in a plastic bag or container
Refrigerate the seeds for 10 to 12 weeks for cold stratification
Check occasionally to keep the medium slightly moist
Plant the seeds in small pots with well-draining soil after stratification
Sow each seed about 1 inch deep
Water lightly and keep the soil consistently moist
Place the pots in a warm, bright location
Wait for germination, which may take several weeks
Transplant seedlings to larger pots once they have several true leaves
Harden off seedlings before moving them outdoors
Plant outdoors in a sunny location with well-drained soil
Space trees appropriately for mature size
Water regularly during the first growing season
Protect young trees from pests, frost, and animals
Be patient, since seed-grown cherry trees may take several years to fruit
Expect fruit quality to vary from the parent cherry tree