Michigan consistently ranks as the nation’s top producer of tart cherries and contributes substantially to the sweet cherry market. Determining the exact window for harvest requires understanding the different cherry varieties grown and the specific climate of the Great Lakes region. This article outlines the typical timeline for Michigan’s cherry season, which signals the peak of summer.
The Critical Difference: Tart vs. Sweet Cherry Timelines
Sweet cherries, which are sold fresh for eating, are the first to ripen. Their season often begins in late June and continues into mid-July. Varieties like Bing, popular for their dark color and firm texture, are picked first.
The season for tart cherries, overwhelmingly the Montmorency variety, follows the sweet cherry harvest. Tart cherries, also known as sour cherries, are primarily used for processing into products like pie filling, juice, and dried fruit. The harvest generally begins in mid-July, often peaking around the third week of the month. This later window can extend into early August, meaning the entire Michigan cherry season spans from late June through the first half of August.
Locating the Harvest: Key Growing Regions in Michigan
Cherry production is concentrated along the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan, an area known as the “Fruit Belt.” This location benefits from the lake’s temperature-moderating effects, which delay spring blossoms and temper winter cold. The Grand Traverse Bay region, particularly the area surrounding Traverse City, is the epicenter of this industry and has earned the title of the “Cherry Capital of the World.”
Counties such as Leelanau, Antrim, and Grand Traverse are home to the majority of the state’s orchards. The area’s sandy, well-drained soil and rolling hills provide ideal conditions for cherry trees to thrive. During the peak summer season, the countryside features U-Pick farms and roadside stands that offer the freshest fruit directly to the public.
Environmental Factors Affecting the Annual Schedule
The timing of the cherry season can shift by weeks depending on the year’s weather patterns. Cherry trees require a specific period of cold during the winter. However, an unusually mild winter followed by a sudden spring cold snap can be detrimental. Spring frost events, especially after the trees have begun to bloom, can damage flower buds and significantly reduce the final yield.
Summer weather also affects the final schedule and quality of the crop. Excessive rainfall and high humidity increase the risk of fungal diseases, such as brown rot, and pest infestations. Growers monitor temperature and precipitation, sometimes employing tactics like large fans to prevent frost damage or specialized spray programs to protect the fruit. This annual variability means the official start and end dates for the harvest are often announced just weeks in advance.