Cherries are a highly anticipated summer fruit, but determining their season in Texas is not straightforward because the state’s climate challenges traditional cultivation. The typical seasonality is defined by two factors: the rare, short window for locally grown varieties and the extended period dictated by the national supply chain. Understanding the difference between these sources is necessary to know when to look for the freshest cherries.
The Limited Scope of Texas Cherry Cultivation
Traditional sweet and tart cherry trees, such as Bing or Montmorency varieties, require a long duration of cold temperatures, known as chilling hours, during winter dormancy. Many varieties need between 700 to 1,200 hours below 45 degrees Fahrenheit to properly break dormancy and produce fruit. Most of Texas, particularly the central and southern regions, often does not accumulate enough chill hours for a consistent, high-yield harvest.
This climate limitation means that the few cherries grown commercially in Texas are either experimental or low-chill varieties. Cultivars such as ‘Minnie Royal’, ‘Royal Lee’, and ‘Lapins’ are bred to require a lower range of 200 to 500 chill hours, allowing them to grow in certain parts of the state. The local harvest window for these Texas-grown cherries is very short, typically occurring in late May or early June.
Successful local growers often focus on these specialized, low-chill sweet cherries or on different types of fruit, such as the native Nanking or sand cherries. These native varieties are botanically different but used similarly to true cherries. These local crops are vulnerable to late spring frosts and intense summer heat, which can quickly wipe out the small supply.
Peak Season for Grocery Store Availability
For the majority of consumers, the “Texas cherry season” is defined by the national supply chain that stocks grocery store shelves. Cherries are a sequential crop, meaning the harvest moves geographically across the United States, starting in the south and moving north. This flow determines when the fruit is abundant and most affordable in Texas.
The season begins with California cherries, which can appear as early as late April, with their peak volume hitting stores in May and early June. As the California season tapers off, the supply shifts to the Pacific Northwest, primarily Washington and Oregon.
The national peak for sweet cherries, which brings the highest volume and best prices to Texas markets, runs from mid-June through August. This period includes dark sweet cherries from Washington, harvested through July, and tart cherries from Michigan, ready around the same time. The most reliable time to find high-quality, widely available cherries in Texas is the mid-summer period, thanks to the yields from these major growing states.
Sourcing Local Texas Varieties
Finding the small supply of cherries grown within Texas requires actively seeking out specialized sources rather than relying on standard grocery stores. The best places to look are regional farmers markets, particularly those in Central or East Texas where low-chill varieties are most feasible. Small, specialty orchards may open for short U-Pick events, but these opportunities are limited and dependent on the year’s weather conditions.
It is helpful to inquire directly about the variety being sold, as the local product is unlikely to be a standard Bing or Rainier. A vendor selling ‘Minnie Royal’ or ‘Royal Lee’ is more likely to be offering a genuine Texas-grown product. Consumers should confirm the cherries are Texas-grown and not simply re-sold from out-of-state distributors. Because the local season is brief and susceptible to weather events like late frosts, the successful harvest window can be unpredictable, making the fruit a rare find.