Collect ripe cherries and remove the pits
Clean all fruit flesh from the pits
Dry the pits for a few days
Crack the hard outer shell carefully if desired
Place the seeds in a damp paper towel or moist peat moss
Seal the seeds in a plastic bag
Refrigerate the seeds for 10 to 12 weeks for cold stratification
Check regularly to keep the medium slightly moist
Plant the seeds in small pots with well-draining soil
Sow each seed about 1 inch deep
Keep the pots in a warm, bright location
Water lightly to keep soil moist but not soggy
Wait for germination
Transplant seedlings to larger pots when they have several leaves
Harden off young trees before moving outdoors
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil
Space trees with enough room for mature growth
Water regularly during establishment
Protect young trees from pests, frost, and animals
Prune as needed to shape the tree
Be patient, since seed-grown cherry trees take years to fruit
