Door County Cherries

Stage 1 - Budding

As early as mid-April, the cherries will—slowly, carefully—begin to bloom. Buds in shades of green and white will emerge and, for the next few weeks, mature and grow.

Florets, eventually puffy and floppy, will grow from the plant’s interior, indicating things are moving along smoothly.

Stage 2 - Blossoming

Once mid-May rolls around and the blossoms are in full bloom, it’s primetime! Blossoms will begin dotting trees in the southern portion of the county and make their way north over the next 1-2 weeks.

Then, Door County’s 2,500 acres of cherry orchards will be blanketed in white and pink, and the earliest-arriving wildflowers will bring their greens, yellows, and baby blues as well. A just-perceptible cherry aroma has been known to waft through the air during this time.

Act fast though—the full-bloom stage usually only lasts about two weeks, with apple blossoms’ peak time arriving about a week after that.

Stage 3 - Petals Fall

Depending on how cool the blooming season was, this stage can last up to 10 days. Colder temperatures just prior to bloom will result in a longer blooming period.

After 10 or so days, the cherry trees’ blossoms will begin to fall, one by one, and tiny green fruit will appear, signaling the cherries will be ready in a few weeks.

Stage 4 - Green Cherries

We’re getting there! Peak cherry season is achingly close, and while some trees may be bearing fully formed cherries at this point, most cherries won’t be ready to pick or eat for a little while yet.

If you’re planning a trip or a day-drive to experience the cherries, start charting your course! Consider a cruise up Highway 42 or plan to simply hop in the car and see where the pavement takes you.

Stage 5 - Yellow Cherries

Nearly there! The cherries’ sprouts will take on a yellow-green look as they’re on the verge of harvest readiness.

Now’s the time to dust off your cherry bucket and pie recipes!

Stage 6 - Ready to Pick

During the dog days of summer—those long, sweltering days in mid-July to mid-August—Door County’s cherries will be ready for the picking.

Local orchards and farms will be open for cherry-picking excursions. And markets, roadside stands, and country stores will stock their shelves with fresh jams, pies, wines, and plenty of the tart stone fruits themselves.