Question
Hi!  I'm trying to get some apricot and cherry seeds to germinate - mostly for my daughter to enjoy seeing things grow, and see how big they get every year.  I read on one of your answers that, to get a cherry or apricot seed to germinate, it needs some time in the cold.  I live in Charlotte, NC, where we get pretty good winters, but I still have pits chilling in my fridge.  My question is, basically, what's the best time of year to take them out of the fridge, open the pit, and plant the seed?  Should I keep them in the fridge till fall or winter, and then plant them in pots outside?

Answer
Hi Tom,
Thanx for your question.  When I start seeds that require a cold period to break dormancy, I start in the fall.  You're going to need 90-120 days for peach types maybe 90 days for cherry types.  So, I would start in September or October.  Leave the seeds wrapped in sphagnum moss or wet paper towels inside a plastic baggie in the fridge until say January or February.  Bring the seeds out and plant in pots a couple inches deep and keep in a warm area.  Germination should occur sporadically over the next few weeks.  By the time you have your last frost in late March or early April unless you're in the mountainous areas and that could be up to May depending upon your elevation, you can put the seedlings outdoors in the shade for about 10 days to acclimate them and then plant them in full sun.  You can also, plant the seeds in pots and leave them outdoors the entire winter and they will germinate in the spring.  Just make sure you water them periodically to keep them from going bone dry.  I hope this helps.
Tom