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
01 Apr 2025
Altitude changes the quality of cherries, affecting organic acids and phenolic compounds. A study in Turkey on four cultivars grown at 200 and 800 m revealed changes in the nutritional profile, improving flavour and antioxidant properties of the fruit.
20 Jun 2023
At the IX International Cherry Symposium in Beijing there was much discussion on cherry covers and their impact on fruit growth and quality. Here a summary of the work presented by Andrea Giovannini and the Fruit Tree Ecophysiology group of DISTAL - University of Bologna.
13 Apr 2026
A FAO study in Uzbekistan analyzes the life cycle of apple, cherry and grape orchards, showing a negative carbon balance but critical issues in water use and eutrophication. Drip irrigation and solar energy improve sustainability, productivity and environmental impact.
13 Apr 2026
Chile’s cherry industry has surged thanks to China, which absorbs 87% of exports. As the super cycle ends, the sector faces new challenges: tighter margins, rising competition and the urgent need to diversify markets to ensure long-term stability and growth.
