It is now the middle of May, and during our last Orchard Update, we were right in the middle of bloom. Today, the season has shifted into a new stage. Across many of our apple, pear, and cherry orchards, the blossoms have transformed into what growers call “small green fruit.” While the fruit may still appear small, this stage marks an important transition as the trees begin directing their energy toward developing the crop that will eventually make its way to harvest.
Dark Sweet cherries in Naches WA - May
At this point in the season, growers closely monitor fruit development every single day. Cherries are progressing quickly through their developmental stages. Early in the season, the fruit remains soft while growers observe shuck split and shuck fall, when the protective flower casing begins to separate and drop away. As cherries continue to develop, the pit inside the fruit gradually hardens until it becomes the fruit we look forward to enjoying each summer. Each of these stages helps growers better estimate how the season is progressing and how close cherry harvest may be.
Gala apples in Yakima WA - May
Apples in some orchards are already reaching impressive sizes, and under ideal growing conditions, apple fruit can grow nearly a millimeter per day. While those changes may seem small at first glance, significant differences can develop within just a week’s time. During this stage, growers also begin monitoring the natural fruit drop that typically occurs during the first half of June, helping provide a clearer picture of potential harvest volume later in the season.
While this stage of the season can be intense, it is also one of the most exciting times in the orchards. Tiny changes begin turning into visible growth, the potential of the crop becomes more apparent each day, and the work taking place across the orchards helps lay the foundation for the fruit consumers will soon enjoy throughout the year.
Dark Sweet Cherries in Naches WA - May
