TOWN OF STURGEON BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Sweet cherries in parts of Door County are in bloom, and despite a chilly April, producers say the season is right on time.
At Robertson Orchards of Door County, signs of the season are all around.
“The ones on the bottom here, are just gorgeous,” said Skipp Robertson, Robertson Orchards of Door County Owner.
Robertson tells FOX 11 these sweet cherry trees are in full bloom.
“So far, everything I’m looking at right now, looks great.”
Robertson says the blossoms attract plenty of bees which are at the orchard to gather nectar.
“The pollen sticks on the little fibers on the bee itself, and as they go from flower to flower to flower to flower, they are transferring the pollen.”
But Robertson says the season was off to a different start.
Spring-like conditions arrived at the farm a little early this year. Producers say “Blossom Watch 2021” officially started on April 6th, but since then the Wisconsin weather changed.
“It was a long, cold, dreary April.”
Jenna Kasten tells FOX 11 frosty forecasts led to some restless nights.
“If the overnight lows are in the 30s, and under, we start biting our nails. Because one good night of frost can wipe out our blossoms, and that takes a huge bite out of that year’s crop.”
But Robertson says he’s cautiously optimistic about the season, and is planning for picking, which begins in about 60 days.
“They love picking their own. They love sweet cherries. They absolutely love coming out here, seeing everything. It’s a great way to get out in the country, and just have a great day with the family,” he said.
The sweet cherry blossoms are expected to last for about another week and-a-half.
Then the tart cherries are expected to bloom, followed by the apples.
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