The fruit growing season for the BC Interior is about two weeks behind schedule. According to the BC Fruit Growers Association, while blossom and harvest times can vary as much or as little as three weeks from season-to-season, 2023 is about two weeks later than usual.
Despite this, BCFGA President Peter Simonsen stated there is great promise for cherries this year: “Cherries were subjected to bud damage, and at present predicted to have a 10 to 20 per cent (damage). However, the remaining cherries will be larger in size, so the overall tonnage will likely not be impacted.”
Meanwhile, apples and pears do not appear to have sustained much damage and could likely have a normal harvest this year. Apricots, however, sustained bud damage due to extreme cold in November and December last year. This has the association estimating that the crop will be very light, as apricots are the most tender tree fruit.
Source: vernonmorningstar.com