Meleddy Cherry Farm orchard in Door County, May 6, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
DOOR COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — It may seem a little early to some, but the beautiful white petals found on Door County cherries are on display in parts of the region.
“We’re probably 25 percent out right now. Some trees like this, probably 50 percent. But it will go, my guess, with some rain tomorrow, and some fairly nice weather, it’ll go another week,” said Tom Selvick, Meleddy Cherry Farm Owner.
It might be described as a sea of white as far as the eye can see.
“What they call it, is first white. And you can see the tips are just starting to open a little. That probably was a week ago already,” said Selvick.
Selvick says the growing season at the 40-acre parcel north of Forestville is a little ahead of schedule. He says blossoms really started to open on Friday.
“It was a pretty mild winter,” said Selvick.
Did that have an impact on the trees?
“Not that I can tell. So, we were a little worried in February, where we were getting some real warm stuff. But those are one of those things that you can’t do anything about it,” he said.
The cherry trees at the orchard share the space with dandelions. Selvick says bees help the pollination process.
“Everything I’ve always known, was they’re attracted to the color yellow. And it’s the first thing that blooms in the spring. And there’s way more nectar in those blossoms. So if they come in for the dandelions, they’re going up to the blossoms,” he said.
Selvick says he plans to cut the dandelions and grass next week. He says he hopes it’s a good cherry crop, which is expected in about 60 days.
“This is one of the farthest-south orchards. So as you start creeping farther north in Door County, it’s a little cooler. But they’re not that far behind. So, I’m guessing they’re showing white now too,” he said.
Tart cherries are big business in Door County.
Tourism officials say the region typically produces between eight and 15 million pounds of the fruit, each year.
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