Japanese Cherry Blossom Tree

Japanese Cherry Blossom Tree is a breathtaking ornamental treasure that grows into a graceful, airy tree reaching 15–25 feet tall with delicate clusters of soft pink to white blooms that can span 1–2 inches across, creating a cloudlike display each spring. Its elegant branching structure brings a sense of peace and beauty to any landscape, transforming yards into serene, storybook scenes. This tree offers an unforgettable seasonal show as the blossoms burst into pink, showy flowers in spring, and golden yellow leaves in the fall. Its manageable size makes it perfect for small to medium yards, patios, and walkways, where it adds charm without overwhelming the space. Growing your own Japanese Cherry Blossom Tree allows you to enjoy a yearly ritual of renewal as it marks the arrival of spring with breathtaking color and soft fragrance. It creates stunning shade in the warmer months, provides a romantic backdrop for photos, and becomes a treasured centerpiece that elevates the whole garden with elegance and calm.

Also Known As: Oriental Cherry Blossom Tree, Sakura Tree, Asian Cherry Tree, Flowering Cherry Tree, Ornamental Cherry Tree, Kwanzan Cherry Tree, Yoshino Cherry Tree, Okame Cherry Tree, Snow Fountains Cherry Tree, Weeping Cherry Tree, Shirofugen Cherry Tree, Prunus Serrulata, Prunus Yedoensis, Pink Cherry Tree, White Cherry Blossom Tree.

Plant Name:	Tree, Oriental Cherry Blossom
Latin Name:	Prunus serrulata
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Days to Bloom:	5 - 7 Years
Plant Height:	15 - 25 Feet
Spread:	15 - 25 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	5-9
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2026

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 15 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Seeds require warm, moist stratification followed by cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. To warm-stratify seeds, lightly moisten a mix of peat or sand and place the seeds inside a sealed plastic bag with the medium. Keep the seeds in a warm spot (around 70F-86F / 20C-30C) for 30-60 days. Check periodically to ensure the medium stays damp but not soggy. After the warm period, move the mixture to a refrigerator for the cold stratification, keeping the seeds at 35F-40F for 90-120 days. After the stratification period,sow seeds in small pots with moist potting soil and in a warm, sunny location that is at least 65F, keeping the soil moist, or directly sow outdoors in prepared soil.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: The two-step stratification process (warm followed by cold) can be attempted by sowing the seeds in late summer for natural stratification but this may result in a lower success rate than indoor stratification prior to sowing.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	15-25 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	25 feet

Care During the Season:

Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees needs consistent, season-specific care to stay healthy and bloom beautifully: In spring, keep the soil evenly moist, not soggy, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer, and prune only dead or crossing branches after flowering; in summer, water deeply during dry spells and mulch to keep roots cool while watching for pests like aphids or caterpillars; in autumn, reduce watering, clear fallen leaves to prevent disease, and add a fresh layer of mulch for winter insulation; and in winter, the tree mostly rests—avoid pruning, protect young trees from harsh winds with burlap wraps, and ensure soil drains well to prevent root rot.