Washington grower expects later cherry bloom this year
Sean Gilbert, manager of OSRG’s Gilbert Orchards in the Yakima Valley of Washington, said on April 6 that “bees are working 100 percent on a beautiful day in Wapato. Looks like we'll have a full crop of ‘cots.”
On the heels of the apricot bloom come NW cherries, which Oneonta Marketing Director Scott Marboe said should start to see bloom in the earliest districts in another week.
Last year the apricot bloom came early and first shipments started on June 3. but Gilbert said the 2017 stone fruit could ship “about 18 days later than last year.”
“Cherry trees were also in full bloom the first weekend in April last season, but this year we are much later,” Marboe said. “The way it is shaping up now, we should see a few early cherry varieties ready to ship June 12.”
"And while no one can second-guess Mother Nature and the onset of warm weather may accelerate the season, buyers should expect great opportunities for apricots in late June and into July. Cherries should be at their peak throughout July."
For more information:
Scott Marboe
Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers
scottm@starranch.com
Tel: +1 509 663 2191