Cherry cultivation has traditionally been limited to cool climates with long winters due to its need for chill hours. With global warming and milder winters, many cherry growers face challenges in meeting these chill requirements.
Bloom Fresh has developed low-chill cherry varieties to address these issues. According to Josep Estiarte, CEO of Bloom Fresh, “Our low-chill cherry varieties were created in response to the growing concern about climate change and its impact on traditional cherry-growing regions.”
Traditional cherry varieties require 800 to 1,000 chill hours, with temperatures dropping below 7.2°C (45°F), to break dormancy and produce fruit. Rising global temperatures have made it harder for many regions to provide these hours, threatening cherry production.
Estiarte explained, “Most traditional cherries need a minimum of 800 chill hours, but our low-chill varieties can produce with less than half, opening up opportunities in milder climates.”
Low-chill varieties offer a prolonged growing season and increased yields of 20-30% compared to traditional types. This allows farmers to better plan and take advantage of an extended market window.
Low-chill cherries also support sustainability by enabling growth closer to consumer markets, reducing the need for long-distance transport and supporting local economies.
As climate change continues to impact agriculture, low-chill varieties are expected to play a critical role in the future of cherry cultivation, offering a long-term solution to adapt to changing climates. Bloom Fresh plans to keep innovating and expanding production with a focus on sustainability and market demand.
Read full article: iGroNews
04 Jun 2024
‘It is crucial to implement water management measures and promote sustainable practices to ensure long-term sustainability,’ says Víctor Muñoz, ‘actions that will strengthen water security and agricultural productivity and solid support for economic development.
08 Apr 2024
The protected designation of origin of the Jerte cherry has been certifying its origin and quality since 1996. In economic terms, the value of designations of origin was estimated at 7.3 billion in 2018, with more than 353 Spanish quality marks registered in the EU.
13 May 2026
A Serbian study on eight sweet cherry genotypes shows how temperature, pollen germination and pollen tube growth affect fertility and fruit set. ‘Lapins’, ‘Canetova’ and ‘G-2’ stand out as more stable, resilient cultivars under changing climate trends in orchards.
13 May 2026
Chile’s cherry industry is facing increasing financial pressure after seasons marked by oversupply, lower returns and strong reliance on China. Legal, contractual and corporate risks are now growing across the export chain, affecting growers, exporters and trade stability.
