HOLLIS, N.H. — Spring is in full swing and summer is on its way, meaning we are now in the fruit-growing season in New Hampshire. The first fruit crop of the year for some New Hampshire Fruit Growers Association (NHFGA) members are cherries. While it remains early in the season, there is reason for optimism for this year’s crop.
Cherry season is expected to be a little late this year. Giff Burnap of Butternut Farm, LLC in Farmington said that his farm’s trees finished blooming about two weeks ago and that cherry harvesting should begin around the Fourth of July. Typically, cherries are ready for harvest in late June. The harvest lasts only one to three weeks, so it is a short season when they are ready. Cherries are a difficult fruit to grow. Their delicate nature makes them sensitive to weather, and they are a tasty treat for birds. However, Giff said of this year’s season, “Right now the cherry season has great potential…In general this winter and spring has been very fruit grower friendly, so regardless of the crop, expect good fruit around our region at all the local farms.”
Before you know it, the cherry season will be upon us, so be on the lookout for cherries at the end of June into July! To find an orchard with cherries near you, check out the NHFGA website at https://www.nhfruitgrowers.
About the New Hampshire Fruit Growers Association:
The NH Fruit Growers Association (NHFGA) is a non-profit association made up of tree fruit farmers, commercial, and supporting members who share a passion for New Hampshire-grown apples, peaches, cherries, plums, and pears. Among the association’s approximately 30 member orchards and farms, there’s diversity in size, fruit, and farm products, but they all gladly share the hard work of taking great care to grow quality fresh fruit for their customers. Keep up with NHFGA on Facebook and Instagram (@NHFruitGrowers) for nutrition information, fun facts, recipes, and more!
–New Hampshire Fruit Growers Association