Door County
Cherries
A Sweet, Sweet County Tradition
Door County’s cooler spring months and unique soil composition make it an ideal spot for growing cherries. Early farmers in the county observed this and developed some of the earliest and largest fruit orchards in the state. Some of the biggest names in the county—such as Seaquist, Lautenbach, and Zettel—got their start with a modest grove of cherry trees, eventually making the words “Door County” synonymous with “cherries.”
Cherry Blossoms Report
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.
Stage 7 – Out of Season
By August’s end, the cherries will fade out of season.
But fear not!
As the weather and season transition, cherries and their byproducts will be available in stores and on menus throughout the county, throughout the rest of the year, until April comes around and the cherry buds make their appearance yet again.
Where to Get the Full Cherry Experience
8 Door County Cherry Recipes
Among the humble cherry’s many virtues, its versatility in cooking may be one of its best. Check out this collection of our favorite cherry-infused culinary delights for pleasing your dinner guests or putting your cherry haul to good use.
8 Door County Cherry Videos
If you just can’t wait for your trip to see Door County’s plethora of cherries, our many videos exploring the region’s favorite fruit can help sate you. From historical perspectives and cultural significance to 360° tours and fantastic bird’s-eye views of our glorious orchards, we’ve got your cherry curiosity covered.
Where to Pick Your Own Cherries
Between mid-July and mid-August, Door County’s cherry crop will turn from a golden yellow to a deep red. Orchards offering pick-your-own experiences include Lautenbach’s Orchard, Sorens Valhalla, Seaquist Orchards, Schartner’s Farm Market, Hyline Orchard, Alexander’s Cherry Orchard, Paradise Farms Orchard, Cherry Lane Orchards, Choice Orchards, Kielar Akers Orchard, Robertson Orchards and Door County Wildwood Market. Grab your buckets and get picking.
Experience the Cherries from Afar
Want to experience the feeling of picking cherries in a breezy summer orchard but can’t be up here in person? Explore the cherries in a virtual experience to learn all about the late-summer harvest that’s come to define so much about Door County.
Even More on Cherries
Related to Cherries
Cherry Orchards & Farms
Communities
Door County Gift Certificates
Use for lodging, restaurants, shopping, attractions, performances, groceries, tours, and more!
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Door County Fruit Connection
5807 Hwy 42, Carlsville, WI 54235
Our farm market sells our seasonal fruit and jam in Carlsville. We are open July through October with Door County's finest fruit, including sweet and tart cherries, peaches, plums, pears, apples and…
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Door County Wildwood Market
2208 Wildwood Rd, Sister Bay, WI 54234
Door County Wildwood Market not just a farm market. Visit for pick-your own activities in season…cherries, flowers, pumpkins. Learn the history of our vintage migrant housing building. Check our website and facebook…
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Cherries: A Summer Staple
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