Cherry Picking Season by State: Sweet & Tart Harvest Guide
Find out when cherry picking season starts in your state. Complete harvest calendar for sweet Bing and Rainier cherries and tart pie cherries like Montmorency.
Quick Answer & Key Takeaway
Cherry picking season is brief and fast-paced, running from mid-May through July. California begins the sweet cherry season in mid-May, followed by the Pacific Northwest (Washington and Oregon) and Utah in June and July. Michigan, Wisconsin, and New York harvest both sweet cultivars and famous tart Montmorency pie cherries throughout July.
Cherry season is one of the most exciting windows on the agricultural calendar, but it is also one of the shortest. At any given orchard, a cherry variety is in prime picking condition for only 10 to 14 days before over-ripening or splitting from summer rainfall.
Whether you want sweet, dark Bing cherries for fresh snacking, delicate golden Rainier cherries, or tart Montmorency cherries for authentic homemade pies, this guide breaks down state-by-state harvest windows and picking techniques.
Sweet Cherries vs. Tart Pie Cherries: Varieties & Timing
Dark Sweet Cherries (Bing, Sweetheart, Lapins, Lambert): Deep mahogany-red to almost black when fully ripe. They have firm flesh and a rich, sweet-tart balance.
Yellow/Blush Sweet Cherries (Rainier, Royal Ann): Golden-yellow skin with a rosy pink blush. Exceptionally high sugar content with a delicate, peach-like sweetness and clear juice.
Tart / Sour Cherries (Montmorency, Morello): Bright ruby red with clear or pale red juice. High in natural melatonin and antioxidants with a sharp, brisk acidity that holds up in baking.
| Region / State | Typical Harvest Window | Primary Cherry Varieties | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California (Central Valley & Bay Area) | Mid-May – Mid-June | Bing, Brooks, Rainier, Tulare | First major sweet cherry harvest in the country |
| Pacific Northwest (WA & OR) | Early June – Late July | Bing, Rainier, Lapins, Sweetheart | Largest sweet cherry growing region in North America |
| Intermountain West (UT, ID, MT Flathead) | Late June – Early August | Bing, Rainier, Lambert, Flathead cherries | High-altitude sweet cherries with crisp snap |
| Midwest & Great Lakes (MI, WI Door County) | July – Early August | Montmorency (tart), Balaton, Ulster, Napoleon | Capital of U.S. tart cherry production for pies |
| Northeast (NY, PA, New England) | Late June – Mid-July | Sweet and Tart varieties | Scenic orchard picking near lakes |
How to Pick Cherries Properly to Protect Next Year's Crop
Always pick with stems attached: Cherries picked without stems will weep juice, soften rapidly, and spoil within 24 to 48 hours. With the green stem intact, fresh cherries easily keep for 2 weeks in the fridge.
The 'Roll Up' Technique: Grasp the stem right at the point where it joins the woody tree branch (the spur), and roll the cherry upward. The stem will snap away cleanly from the spur.
Leave the woody spur on the branch: The woody cluster that the cherry stems grow out of is the fruit spur. If you rip the woody spur off the tree, that spot will never produce cherries again.
Field Sun Protection
Cherries grow on tall trees that require orchard step-ladders. Wear closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles, and pick early in the morning when the fruit is cool and firm.
State-by-State Harvest Schedule & Farm Listings
Typical season dates vary by local microclimate. Click your state below to view verified pick-your-own farm listings and regional crop guides.
| State | Typical Season Window | Notes & Ripening Details | Farms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | May–June | High elevation brief season | Find farms |
| California | April–June | Brief; north/central | Find farms |
| Colorado | June–July | Season depends on weather | Find farms |
| Idaho | June–July | Season depends on weather | Find farms |
| Michigan | June–August | Traverse City iconic | Find farms |
| Montana | July–August | Flathead area | Find farms |
| New Mexico | June–July | Season depends on weather | Find farms |
| New York | June–July | Season depends on weather | Find farms |
| Oregon | June–July | Hood River | Find farms |
| Utah | June–July | Season depends on weather | Find farms |
| Washington | May–July | Season depends on weather | Find farms |
| Wisconsin | July–August | Door County | Find farms |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions & Tips
Helpful answers to common questions about picking, storage, pricing, and visiting.
How long does cherry picking season last at a single farm?
A single orchard usually has active picking for only 2 to 3 weeks. Individual varieties (like Rainier or Bing) often pick out in just 4 to 7 days of peak weekend traffic.
How much does a bucket or lug of cherries weigh?
A standard small cherry bucket holds about 4 to 5 pounds. A full cherry flat (lug) weighs approximately 18 to 20 pounds.
Can you freeze fresh cherries for baking later?
Yes. Wash, dry thoroughly, pit the cherries using a hand pitter, and freeze in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 3 hours before bagging. Frozen cherries keep for up to 12 months for winter pies and smoothies.
Why do cherry orchards close after heavy rain?
When ripe cherries are on the tree, heavy summer rain can cause the skin to absorb water too rapidly, causing the fruit to swell and split (crack) within hours. Farms often invite pickers immediately before or right after a rain to harvest ripe fruit.
Find Cherry Picking Season by State Farms Near You
Browse verified u-pick orchards and berry patches sorted by distance, with reviews, opening hours, and real-time weather.
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