Washington State is a premier fruit-growing region due to its distinct geography and climate. The Cascade Mountain range divides the state into two dramatically different agricultural zones. Eastern Washington, sheltered by the mountains, features a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and substantial sunshine, creating ideal conditions for tree fruits and grapes. Conversely, Western Washington benefits from a cooler, wetter marine climate, which fosters the growth of small fruits and berries. This unique environmental duality allows the state to support a remarkable diversity of fruit crops.
Washington’s Signature Pome Fruits
The state’s reputation is built upon its pome fruits, primarily apples and pears, which are cultivated almost exclusively East of the Cascades. Commercial orchards are heavily concentrated in the fertile valleys of the Columbia River basin, particularly the Yakima and Wenatchee Valleys. The arid climate in this region necessitates large-scale irrigation systems. Washington is the nation’s leading apple producer, producing approximately half of the entire United States apple crop.
Apple growers have diversified beyond the traditional Red Delicious, now focusing on high-value, modern cultivars like Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala. Many orchards have adopted intensive planting systems using dwarfing rootstocks, which allow for higher yields and more efficient harvesting. Pears also flourish in this climate, with Washington being the top producer of winter pears, including D’Anjou and Bosc varieties. The dry, sunny conditions limit fungal diseases and promote sugar development, resulting in firm fruit with superior storage life.
Stone Fruits and Wine Grapes
The warm, arid climate of Eastern Washington is particularly well-suited for cultivating various stone fruits and grapes. Washington is the nation’s top producer of sweet cherries, a high-value, early-summer crop that thrives in the region’s intense sunshine. The Bing cultivar has historically been dominant, though newer varieties are increasingly being planted to extend the harvest window.
Other stone fruits, including peaches, apricots, and plums, are successfully grown in the Columbia Basin. The warm days and cool nights experienced in the eastern part of the state are also beneficial for viticulture. This continental climate promotes ripe fruit flavors while maintaining the acidity necessary for balanced wines. Washington State is the second-largest wine producer in the United States, with vineyards concentrated in the Columbia Valley AVA, where varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling are prominent.
Small Fruits and Berries
West of the Cascade Mountains, the cooler, marine environment provides ideal conditions for small fruit and berry production. This region, encompassing areas near the Puget Sound like Skagit and Whatcom Counties, receives significantly more precipitation and benefits from milder temperatures. Washington is the leading producer of blueberries in the country, with both highbush and lowbush varieties thriving in the acidic soils.
The state also produces approximately 90% of the nation’s frozen red raspberry crop, with the industry heavily concentrated in the northern counties. Strawberries are another widely grown small fruit, selected to handle the more temperate, humid growing conditions. Niche crops like cranberries are cultivated primarily in the coastal bogs of the southwestern part of the state, capitalizing on the high moisture levels required for their growth.
A Guide to Washington Fruit Seasonality
The fresh fruit season begins in early summer, typically starting with sweet cherries in late June through mid-July. The small fruit season follows, with fresh strawberries available from June through July, followed by raspberries and blueberries. Blueberries and blackberries reach their peak availability in July and August, sometimes extending into September.
As summer wanes, the focus shifts to the tree fruit harvest, which provides fresh fruit into the fall and winter months. The pear harvest generally commences in mid-August, with the main apple harvest following from late August through November. Stone fruits like peaches and apricots are generally available for a brief period in July and August. Advanced cold storage technology allows Washington apples and pears to be available year-round.