Central Otago growers expect a stable cherry and berry season, with harvest beginning later this month following October's cold weather. A Labour Weekend storm affected parts of the South Island almost exactly a year after a similar event, but growers report that warmer conditions since then have supported crop recovery.
Leaning Rock Cherries owner Pete Bennie said early cherry varieties on the Alexandra orchard are on track for picking from November 25. Cromwell grower Michael Jones said cooler conditions delayed fruit development slightly, but Burlatt cherries should be available at local stalls by early December. He also expects an early export variety to be harvested in the first week of December. "It generally ramps up mid-December, which meets the Christmas demand," he said.
Gourmet Summerfruit manager Matt Tyrrell oversees 32 hectares of cherry blocks in Roxburgh East and 16 hectares of blueberries. He said recent warm days have supported fruit growth. "The crop looks amazing," he said. Earlier in the season, cold conditions and strong winds affected flowering, and the company brought in additional beehives to support pollination. Orchards are now in the natural "shed" period when trees drop excess fruit. "We'll start to apply plenty of fertiliser and work hard to keep the crop healthy and minimise stress on the trees," he said.
Growers said the October 28 snowstorm caused setbacks, but conditions improved quickly. Warm weather since then has helped restore expected growth rates, aligning harvest timing with last year's schedule.
Gourmet Summerfruit expects to begin harvesting its later cherry varieties in early January. Blueberry picking is forecast to begin around December 18.
Source: The Central App
