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
28 Nov 2024
ANA Chile® has begun sharing information with technical advice and handling recommendations to “guide growers with the new varieties we are introducing to the market, providing concrete and simple information that will enable them to unlock the full potential of each variety.
22 Mar 2024
The course will cover the key aspects of planting, management, physiology, development and perspectives of the crop in Peru, with the point of view of crop experts in Chile to analyse rootstocks and varieties, crop physiology and crop management and perspectives in Peru.
17 Feb 2026
An INIA study published in Plants explains why bacterial canker of cherry remains persistent in Chile. Researchers analyzed Pseudomonas syringae populations adapted to local conditions and more resistant to copper, supporting more integrated and sustainable management strategies.
17 Feb 2026
A study on ‘0900 Ziraat’ sweet cherries shows that combining 4% calcium chloride with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) reduces weight loss, respiration and decay, preserving organic acids, vitamin C and phenolic compounds during cold storage and extending overall shelf life.
