The new cherry cold hardiness model on AgWeatherNet as beta version
25 Feb 2025
Predicting sweet cherry hardiness is crucial for frost management, as early spring development makes them vulnerable to late frosts.
A positive outlook is emerging for the sweet cherry production season in British Columbia, where Jealous Fruits, one of the region’s leading growers, has announced a promising schedule for the 2025 season.
The season will kick off in the first week of July with limited volumes focused on niche varieties such as Kordia, Suite Note, and Santina.
From July 15, the main harvest will begin and continue through to the early days of September.
All cherries will be handpicked at optimal ripeness to ensure crisp and sweet fruit, in line with the company’s quality standards.
Favorable weather and production recovery
“This season is shaping up to be one of the best in recent years,” says Julie McLachlan, sales director at Jealous Fruits.
After two challenging years, the return to more stable weather conditions, especially during the critical phase of cell division, has supported optimal fruit development.
30–35% increase expected in late-season production
The company anticipates a significant expansion in late-season harvest, with an estimated increase of 30 to 35%.
High-elevation orchards such as Cholla, Coldstream, Lavington, and Eldorado are showing excellent crop loads.
In addition, the newly acquired orchards since 2019, including the Layer Cake orchard, now span over 250 acres (approximately 101 hectares) and are nearing full productivity with varieties such as Regina and Sovereign.
Indicative 2025 harvest schedule
July 3–8: Santina, Suite Note, Sylvia, Satin
July 9–15: Kordia, Suite Note, Lapins, Sylvia
July 16–22: Skeena, Lapins, Kordia, Regina, Sylvia
July 23–29: Regina, Skeena, Lapins, Sweetheart
July 30 – August 5: Regina, Sweetheart, Sentennial, Staccato, Rainier
August 6–12: Staccato, Sweetheart, Sentennial, Regina
August 13–19: Sentennial, Staccato, Sovereign
August 20–26: Staccato, Sovereign
August 27 – September 2: Staccato, Sovereign
Looking ahead
With a mix of established and new varieties and more favorable climatic conditions, Jealous Fruits’ 2025 season promises high-level production in both quality and quantity.
A positive signal for the entire Canadian cherry sector and for international markets that are increasingly interested in exports from British Columbia.
Source text and image: thegrower.org
