When Are Cherries in Season? Your Complete Guide to Cherry Season

August 7, 2026 Bill Hageman

Ripe cherries on a fruiting cherry tree during harvest season

Quick answer: Cherry harvest generally runs from late spring into summer, but the actual window depends on cultivar, winter chill, bloom weather, climate, elevation, and local conditions.

Cherry Season Guide: When Are Cherries in Season and How to Grow Your Own

Cherries are one of the most anticipated fruits of summer. Their juicy sweetness, vibrant color, and versatility make them a seasonal favorite for snacking, baking, and preserving. If you've ever asked yourself "when is cherry season", this guide explains everything you need to know about timing, varieties, and how to enjoy the best of the harvest.

When Are Cherries in Season in the United States?

If you're wondering when cherry season USA peaks, it depends on the region and variety of cherry. In the United States, cherry season runs from late spring to mid August, with the peak harvest usually falling around mid June. The timing depends on climate and location:

Southern & Western U.S. (Cherry Season California): In California, cherries can appear as early as late April, with peak harvest in May and June. California's warm climate allows the earliest cherry crop in the country.
Pacific Northwest: Washington and Oregon are famous for their dark sweet cherries. Their cooler climate extends the cherry fruiting season into July.
Midwestern U.S.: Michigan dominates the market for tart cherries. Harvest typically takes place from late June through July, making it prime cherry picking season in the Midwest.
Northeastern U.S.: Cooler states like New York ripen later, often from late June to early August.

If you're wondering "when do cherries come in season where I live?", check your growing zone for the best local guidance.

Close-up photo of Cherries on Cherry Tree branch

Cherry Tree Varieties and Their Seasons

Different types of cherry ripen at different times:

Sweet Cherry Tree Varieties

Bing Cherry Tree: Early-ripening and one of the most popular choices for fresh cherries.
Rainier Cherry Tree: Yellow-red, delicate, and very sweet, ripening mid June.
Lapins Cherry Tree: Late-season, large fruit with firm texture.
Utah Giant Cherry Trees: Excellent for extending the growing season into July.
Tart (Sour) Cherries
Montmorency Cherry: The classic pie cherry, usually harvested late June through July.
'Balaton': A robust, late-ripening cherry often used for preserves.

Both sweet and sour cherries are staples at cherry orchards across the country during peak season.

Cherry Picking and Peak Harvest

When is cherry picking season? For most regions, picking begins in late May and continues until mid August, with the peak usually around mid June. Cherries are in season for a short window, so visiting a local cherry orchard during peak harvest ensures the best flavor.

To plan the perfect picking schedule, check out this guide to maximize your cherry picking season with tips for timing, handling, and storage.

Remember: cherries do not ripen after picking. Harvest them when they are fully colored, plump, and firm for the best taste.

Growing Your Own Cherry Trees

Planting your own cherry trees allows you to enjoy fresh fruit straight from the garden. For detailed instructions on planting and caring for cherry trees, see this step-by-step guide to growing a cherry tree from planting to first harvest.

Here are some essentials:

Choose the Right Variety: Explore bare root cherry trees or semi-dwarf cherry trees. You can also plant peach, plum, or apricot trees for a diverse orchard.
To ensure fruiting even if space is limited, consider self-pollinating varieties. This guide on self-pollinating cherry trees and the best varieties helps you select trees that don't require cross-pollination.
Fertilizing and Pruning: Learn when and how to fertilize your fruit trees and see our video on pruning cherry trees.
Weather Conditions: Sudden frosts can damage blossoms. Protect trees with frost protection.
Pest and Bird Control: Use bird netting, repellents, and other methods to protect your crop.

For a unique project, try growing cherries from seed.

For a comprehensive overview of maintaining healthy cherry trees, including fertilizing, pruning, and pest care, see cherry tree maintenance tips for better care.

Extending and Preserving the Season

Extend the cherry fruiting season by planting early, mid, and late-ripening varieties. This lets you harvest continuously for several weeks.

For expert advice on increasing your cherry harvest and boosting fruiting throughout the season, refer to this cherry fruiting advice guide.

After harvest:

Refrigerate: Keeps cherries fresh for up to a week.
Freeze: Frozen cherries are excellent for smoothies or baking.
Dry or Can: Dried cherries and preserved fruit are ideal for snacks and recipes like cherry pie.

The Beauty of Cherry Blossoms

Close Up Photography of a Red Cherry Fruit

Before fruit forms, cherry blossom displays mark the beginning of the season. Gardeners who care for ornamental cherry blossom trees know the blooms signal the coming harvest. Proper pruning ensures both healthy blossoms and a productive cherry crop.

Final Thoughts

Cherry season generally runs from late May through mid August, with many sweet cherry harvests reaching their peak around mid June. However, the exact timing can vary depending on growing conditions, regional climate, and the specific cherry variety.

Whether you're visiting a local cherry orchard, picking cherries at a farm, or buying fresh fruit from a grocery store, timing is key to enjoying the juiciest and most flavorful cherries. If you're planning to grow your own bare root cherry trees, understanding your local growing season can help you choose the right variety and prepare for a successful harvest. Start planning today and enjoy a cherry season that makes summer truly sweet.

FAQs About Cherry Season

When is cherry season?

Cherry season generally runs from late spring through summer, with peak availability depending on the variety and growing region. In the United States, sweet cherries are commonly harvested from May through July, with many varieties reaching peak season in June and July. The exact cherry picking time depends on the climate, variety, and local harvest schedules.

When are cherries ready to pick?

Cherries are ready to pick when they reach their full size, develop their mature color, and have the best flavor. Growers determine harvest times by checking factors such as firmness, sweetness, and skin color. A ripe red cherry should have a deep, even color and should be picked when it is fully mature because cherries do not continue ripening after harvest.

What month are cherries ready to pick?

The month cherries are ready to pick varies by location and variety, but many sweet cherries are harvested between June and July. In regions like Washington State, harvest often begins in early summer and continues into mid-summer, with some varieties reaching peak harvest around mid July.

When are Rainier cherries in season and when to harvest Rainier cherries?

Rainier cherries are typically in season during the summer, with peak availability often occurring from June through July. In Washington State, one of the major growing regions for Rainier cherries, these pale yellow cherries with a red blush are commonly harvested around mid July, although timing changes depending on weather and growing conditions.

How do you know the best time for cherry picking?

The best cherry picking time is when the fruit has reached its full color, size, and sweetness. Cherries should be gently removed with their stems when possible to help maintain freshness. Local farms and orchards usually announce picking dates based on their harvest times and crop conditions.

How do you pit cherries?

The easiest way for how to pit cherries is to use a cherry pitter, which removes the pit while keeping the fruit mostly intact. If you do not have a pitter, you can also use a chopstick, skewer, or small knife to push or remove the pit manually. Pitted cherries are ideal for baking, freezing, preserving, or adding to a cherry recipe.

Resource Area: Growing and Enjoying Cherries

To make the most of cherry season, whether you're planning to grow your own cherries or simply looking to enhance your harvest, these expert resources will help guide you every step of the way.

Growing Cherries from Seed: Tips for Success
- Learn the ins and outs of growing cherries from seed, including important tips for success and the best conditions to help your cherry trees thrive.
Lapins Cherry Trees for Sale
- Consider planting 'Lapins' cherries, a self-fertile, sweet variety that produces large, delicious fruit. Check out this selection to add this fantastic variety to your garden.
Can I Prune My Flowering Cherry Tree? Essential Tips for Gardeners
- Proper pruning is crucial for the health and productivity of your cherry tree. This guide covers essential tips on when and how to prune your flowering cherry tree.
Pruning Cherry Trees and Pruning Apricot Trees (Video)
- Watch a step-by-step video tutorial on how to properly prune your cherry trees for maximum fruit production and tree health.
Bare-Root Cherry Trees for Sale
- Start your cherry-growing journey with bare-root cherry trees, ideal for gardeners who want to plant young trees in the right environment for optimal growth.