Question
QUESTION: I am saving my cherry pits.
Can i put them in the refrigator as pits until the winter ?
I can not see putting a pot of soil in my refrigerator for 90 days at this time.
Is there another way i can work it?
Cherries are in season now and i do not throw away a seed.
Can i bag, seal them and put in refrigerator for 90 days?
or can i put a clump of dirt in the bag and seal it?
I live in louisiana. Many thanks,
         -K

ANSWER: Hi Kathy,
thanx for your question.  The key to refrigerating seed (vernalization) is to have the seed come into contact with moisture and cold at the same time to help the seed break its dormancy.  Yes, if you do not want to or cannot put a pot of dirt (sealed in a baggie) in the fridge, you can just put a clump of dirt (with the seed in it) dampen it but don't let it be soggy) and seal it in the plastic baggie for 90 days.  I hope this  helps.
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Very very good. Now in my large (freezer) baggie I will place about 40 cherry pits in with about 4 to six cups of dirt with sprinkle of water. I understand too much water will create mold and defeat purpose. I also understand too little water will dry out the pitts. And that the purpose of the dirt is to cushion the little bejewels so they will sprout and glow. Reminds me of sprouting kumquat seeds by placing them in a dampen kleenex and when they sprouted I transplant to pots. Not sure of these will sprout but 90 days from now is going to be November. So from cold to cold they go?

Many thanks and compliments.
         -Kathleen

Answer
Hi Kathleen,
Thanx for the additional information.  No, you cannot put the seedlings out in the cold.  They will not survive. This is why Nature keeps the seeds in a dormant state.  They have to go through the cold period to break dormancy, then once it warms up, it's ok to sprout and they won't die.  In Nature, the seed would never sprout below a certain temperature, so, if you provide artificial means to sprout the seed only to put the seedling in the cold, it will surely die.  You'll have to winter the seedlings over indoors and then take them outdoors after all danger of frost is past, next year.  Place the individually potted seedlings in a shaded area of the garden where they will nto get direct sunlight and will not be exposed to extremes in temperature, rain, hail, wind, etc. for about 10 days.  After that, plant the seedlings where they will get full sun.  I hope this helps.
Tom