The California cherry season is finally underway (keep an eye out for the first batch in boxes next week), but not without a rollercoaster start! We’re excited to partner once again with Delta Packing, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. Over the decades, they’ve continued to evolve their harvesting and packing practices, maintaining a strong and trusted presence in the industry.
By nature, California’s cherry season is short, fast-paced, and highly sensitive to weather, typically lasting only about a month. This winter, the Valley experienced prolonged periods of Tule fog, creating cool, stable conditions that helped set the stage for a promising 2026 season. The fog minimized temperature swings and supported steady development and moisture retention in the orchards.
Mild temperatures in February allowed all varieties to progress smoothly through bloom, setting up a strong pollination window, well ahead of last year. Warmer weather in March kept bee activity high, further supporting pollination and fruit set. These favorable early-season conditions ultimately led to accelerated fruit development.
April, however, brought late-season rain and a fair amount of uncertainty. Fortunately, Kern County saw minimal rainfall, allowing harvest to begin in mid- to late April. Further north in the Central Valley, heavier rains caused some damage, though the full extent is still being evaluated. Northern growing regions like Stockton, Lodi, and Modesto were hit hardest, with sporadic hail impacting crops, particularly with the Bing variety.
Fortunately, Delta Packing sources cherries from multiple growing regions, allowing them to carefully sort and select the best fruit for our boxes. We’re looking forward to featuring California cherries throughout the coming month!
