Eating large, juicy, sweet cherries off the tree is an annual event I look forward to every summer. Discovering what climate cherry trees grow best is essential for producing flavorful and abundant harvests.

At Chelan Ranch, we are fortunate to love organic farming and have this ideal climate for growing cherries. Join me as I share these elements that make certain climates, like Lake Chelan, perfect for cultivating delicious cherries.

Temperate Climate Preference

Cherry trees thrive best in temperate climates, characterized by distinct spring, summer, fall, and winter seasons. These trees require a period of dormancy during winter, with temperatures dropping low enough to trigger this phase. This cold period is essential for the tree’s health, as it helps regulate growth cycles and promotes fruit development in the following seasons. Chelan is known for its spectacular warm, arid summers, cold, snowy winters, and transitioning shoulder seasons of fall and spring.

Chilling Hours

Chilling hours are a crucial factor in successful cherry tree cultivation. These hours represent the total time in winter when temperatures stay between 32°F (0°C) and 45°F (7.2°C). This period is crucial in breaking dormancy and promoting healthy flowering and fruit development in spring. Sweet cherries, including our Sweetheart variety, usually demand more chilling hours than sour cherries. For example, our Sweetheart cherries typically need about 800 to 1,000 chilling hours during winter to thrive. Fortunately, the climate in Chelan provides these necessary temperature ranges, ensuring our cherry trees get the winter rest they need for a fruitful spring.

Frost-Free Growing Season

Cherry trees benefit from a cold winter dormancy but depend on a frost-free spring for optimal fruit production. Frost during the flowering stage can harm blossoms and decrease fruit yield significantly. Thus, regions with extended frost-free periods in spring are highly favorable for cherry cultivation. However, frost remains a potential concern during cherry bloom in areas like Chelan. At Chelan Ranch, we implement protective measures such as wind machines or sprinkler irrigation to safeguard our cherry blossoms when temperatures are expected to drop below safe bloom levels. These precautions help ensure a successful cherry harvest despite potential frost challenges.

Irrigation and Soil

Warm, arid weather provides several advantages for cherry tree growth and fruit production. Firstly, lower humidity levels in arid climates reduce the risk of fungal diseases and pests, promoting healthier trees. Controlled irrigation in arid climates ensures efficient water management, preventing water-related issues and promoting the concentration of sugars in cherries, enhancing their taste. Furthermore, predictable weather patterns in warm, arid climates facilitate optimal harvest timing, allowing cherries to ripen evenly and prolonging the growing season for higher yields. Fortunately, in addition to our arid climate, we have a micro-sprinkler irrigation system installed beneath our trees sourced from Lake Chelan and well-draining soils that allow us to control the water and moisture in our orchards.

Sunlight and Air Circulation

Cherry trees thrive in full sunlight, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruiting. The ample sunlight exposure in these regions supports photosynthesis, leading to robust tree growth, optimal flower development, and increased sugar production for flavorful fruit. Air circulation around the trees helps prevent fungal diseases and ensures healthy foliage and fruit. Our crew prunes our cherry trees each summer to open the tree canopy for more sunlight and air circulation.

Examples of Ideal Cherry-Growing Regions

1. Pacific Northwest (e.g., Washington and Oregon): These regions offer a temperate climate with sufficient chilling hours, a frost-free growing season, and suitable soil conditions for cherry trees.
2. Parts of Europe (e.g., France, Italy): Many cherry varieties originate from Europe, where temperate climates and suitable growing conditions contribute to high-quality cherry production.
3. Some parts of Asia (e.g., Japan): Japan is known for its cherry blossoms, and cherry trees also thrive in some areas of the country due to favorable climate conditions.
4. Not California: California isn’t ideal for cherry tree cultivation due to insufficient chilling hours, the risk of late-season frost, water scarcity, less favorable soil conditions, and competition with other crops for resources. These challenges make regions like the Pacific Northwest, Europe, and parts of Asia more suitable for successful cherry production.

Get ready for some seriously delicious sweet cherries, big, organic, and straight from Lake Chelan in Washington State. We grow top-notch varieties like Skeenas and Sweethearts at Chelan Ranch Organics, so you know they’re the real deal. Our cherry trees love our local weather—lots of seasons, just enough cold days, mostly frost-free springs, good soil that drains well, and the perfect amount of water and sunshine. Knowing what they need regarding climate can make all the difference if you’re considering growing your cherries. Or, if you’d rather enjoy the fruits of our labor, let us deliver these juicy cherries to your door this summer.