Germinating cherry tree seeds can be a rewarding process, but it's important to note that cherry tree seeds may have varying germination success rates, and not all seeds may produce viable plants. Additionally, cherries are often propagated through other methods such as grafting or budding to ensure consistent traits in the new plants. If you still wish to germinate cherry tree seeds, here's a step-by-step guide:

1.     Seed Collection: Harvest mature cherry fruit and extract the seeds from the fleshy pulp. Rinse the seeds to remove any remaining fruit residue.

2.     Seed Treatment: Cherry seeds have a hard seed coat that can inhibit germination. To enhance germination rates, consider scarifying the seeds. This can be done by gently nicking or sanding the seed coat to create small openings.

3.     Seed Soaking: Some gardeners recommend soaking the scarified cherry seeds in water for 24 hours to further aid in germination.

4.     Stratification: Cherry seeds typically require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy and improve germination. Place the scarified and soaked seeds in a sealable plastic bag with slightly moistened vermiculite, peat moss, or a paper towel. Seal the bag and store it in the refrigerator at a temperature between 32-41°F (0-5°C) for about 8 to 12 weeks. This mimics the winter conditions that the seeds would experience in their natural environment.

5.     Seed Sowing: After the cold stratification period, prepare a seed tray or small pots with a well-draining seed-starting mix. Moisten the soil lightly before sowing the cherry seeds. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and gently press them into the soil, but do not bury them too deep.

6.     Germination Conditions: Place the seed tray or pots in a warm location with indirect sunlight. Maintain a temperature around 68-75°F (20-24°C). Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

7.     Seedling Care: Germination can take several weeks or even months for cherry seeds. Once the seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves, they can be carefully transplanted into individual pots with well-draining soil. Continue to provide them with bright, indirect light and appropriate moisture levels.

8.     Transplanting Outdoors: Cherry seedlings can be transplanted outdoors once they are well-established and the weather is suitable. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.

Keep in mind that growing cherry trees from seeds can be a slow and uncertain process, and not all seeds may germinate or produce plants with desirable characteristics. For a more reliable and faster way to grow cherry trees, consider propagating through other methods such as grafting or budding, which ensure that the new plants retain the desired traits of the parent tree.

The germination rate of cherry tree seeds can vary widely depending on several factors, including the cherry tree species or variety, the age and quality of the seeds, the specific germination method used, and the growing conditions provided. On average, the germination rate of cherry tree seeds is typically between 50% to 70%.

It's important to note that cherry tree seeds may have varying germination success rates, and not all seeds may produce viable plants. Additionally, some cherry tree species have more challenging seed germination requirements, while others may have higher germination rates.

To improve germination rates, it's essential to provide the seeds with the right growing conditions, including appropriate moisture, temperature, and light. Some cherry tree seeds may benefit from scarification (nicking or sanding the seed coat) or cold stratification (a period of cold and moist conditions) to enhance germination.

Since cherries are often propagated through other methods, such as grafting or budding, to ensure consistent and desirable traits in the new plants, many gardeners and commercial growers prefer these vegetative propagation methods over growing cherry trees from seeds. Grafting and budding allow growers to create new cherry trees that are identical to the parent tree, ensuring consistent fruit quality and characteristics.