Van Cherry Tree Seeds – 10 Sweet Black Cherry Seeds for Planting

The Van cherry tree is a well-known sweet cherry variety prized for its dark, glossy fruit and reliable performance in home orchards. These seeds offer an opportunity to grow your own cherry tree from scratch, whether for fresh eating, baking, or simply enjoying the beauty of a fruiting tree in the landscape. Van cherries are self-fertile, meaning a single tree can produce fruit without the need for a separate pollinator, making them a convenient choice for gardeners with limited space.

Growing cherry trees from seed is a rewarding project that requires patience and attention to cold stratification, but the result is a unique tree that can provide years of enjoyment. The Van cherry is known for its vigorous growth and adaptability to a range of climates, and its deep red to black fruit typically ripens in mid-summer. Whether you are an experienced grower or a curious beginner, these non-GMO seeds are a great way to start your own cherry orchard.

Plant Features

• Produces sweet, dark red to black cherries with firm flesh
• Self-fertile variety, no cross-pollination required
• Vigorous grower with a spreading canopy
• Fruit ripens in mid-summer
• Non-GMO seeds for home growing

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Prunus avium 'Van'
• Plant Type: Deciduous fruit tree
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil moist but not waterlogged
• Growth Habit: Upright spreading
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
• Bloom Season: Spring
• Mature Height: 15-20 feet (with pruning can be kept smaller)
• Germination Requirements: Cold stratification required; sow in fall or stratify seeds for 90-120 days
• Spacing: 15-20 feet apart for full-size trees

Planting & Care

To grow Van cherry trees from seed, start by stratifying the seeds to break dormancy. You can do this by mixing seeds with moist peat moss or sand and refrigerating them for 90-120 days, or by planting them outdoors in fall and allowing winter cold to naturally stratify them. After stratification, sow seeds about 1 inch deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide warmth (around 70°F) for germination, which can take several weeks to months. Once seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, transplant them into larger pots or a nursery bed.

Young cherry trees need full sun and regular watering to establish a strong root system. Protect seedlings from extreme heat and pests. As trees grow, prune to shape the canopy and remove dead or crossing branches. Van cherry trees are self-fertile, but planting another cherry variety nearby can improve fruit set. With proper care, your trees will grow into productive, beautiful additions to your garden.

What's Included

10 Van Cherry Tree seeds (Prunus avium 'Van'), non-GMO.