If you’re looking to expand your garden without breaking the bank, growing new cherry laurels from seed is a great way to go. It’s a fun little project that lets you propagate your existing plants with just a bit of patience. Here’s the lowdown on how to harvest those seeds and get them sprouting like a pro.
How to Harvest Cherry Laurel Seeds
To get your hands on some seeds, you first need to let your cherry laurel bloom. Once those flowers fade away, you’ll see small berries start to form where the blossoms used to be. Don’t rush to pick them, though! You need to wait until they are fully ripe, which is when they turn a deep, dark purple—almost black.
Once they’re ripe, harvest the berries and squeeze out the pits (the seeds). Give them a quick rinse to remove the fruit pulp and let them air dry for a bit. After that, they’re ready for planting, but there are a few tricks to ensure they actually grow.
Here’s your step-by-step game plan:
- Fill a seed tray or pot with a mix of standard potting soil and a bit of sand for drainage.
- Place the seeds on the surface and cover them with just a very thin layer of soil.
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but be careful not to drown them—standing water is a no-go.
- Once the seedlings have established themselves and grown a bit, you can transplant them to their permanent home.
Tips for a Successful Germination
Cherry laurel seeds are “cold germinators,” meaning they actually need a period of chilly weather to wake up and start growing. Because of this, don’t keep your seed trays in a cozy, warm living room. They’ll do much better in a cool spot, like a garage or a cold frame. Just make sure they still get plenty of natural light, as they need that brightness to thrive.
One big thing to remember: while mature cherry laurels are usually pretty tough, the babies are sensitive. During their first year, these young plants aren’t frost-hardy yet. If those tender new shoots get hit by a hard freeze, they might not make it. To keep them safe, you can keep your young laurels indoors for the first winter or take extra steps to winterize your cherry laurel properly. Happy planting!
