February is National Cherry Month
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Updated: June 16, 2026
Author: Andy LaPointe - Co-Founder of Traverse Bay Farms
Quick Summary: February is National Cherry Month — a celebration rooted in Presidential history, the iconic Washington DC Cherry Blossom Festival, and the rich folklore of America's favorite super fruit. Learn why cherries and February are forever linked.
What You'll Learn: Presidential History | Cherry Blossom Festival | Cherry Tree Facts | Bees and Blossoms | Tart Cherry Products
Why is February Called National Cherry Month?
In many parts of the country, February still brings snowy days and cold nights. However, February also brings us one month closer to the warmer weather of spring and summer — and nothing says warm weather is approaching like blossoms on the trees.
Soon, millions of cherry blossoms will begin to appear in Washington DC. February is rich in history and folklore about the little red super fruit of cherries. Let's learn more about why February is called National Cherry Month.
Reason #1 — George Washington and the Cherry Tree
February earned the title of National Cherry Month because it includes both President's Day and Washington's Birthday. The alleged chopper of the cherry tree, our first President is deeply rooted in folklore. When young George Washington's father asked who chopped down a cherry tree on the family farm, the young Washington replied, I cannot tell a lie, I chopped down the cherry tree. This event helped link Washington and cherries forever to February.
Reason #2 — Abraham Lincoln's Birthday
President's Day is also in the second month of the year. Our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, also celebrates a birthday in February — adding another layer of Presidential significance to the month.
Reason #3 — The National Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival held in Washington DC is also in February. This annual event draws visitors from around the world to witness millions of cherry blossoms throughout the capital. Several of us from Traverse Bay Farms have traveled to Washington DC during the festival — and once people learn we are from Michigan and sell tart cherry juice, the conversations are always memorable!
Did You Know? The annual Cherry Blossom celebration started in 1912 when the people of Japan sent 3,000 cherry trees to the United States to celebrate friendship between the two great nations.
Watch: National Cherry Month Facts and History
The Facts About Cherry Trees
Cherry Tree Fun Fact
Did you know each cherry tree grows enough cherries to produce 700 cherry pies? Michigan's Traverse Bay region is one of the top tart cherry-growing regions in the entire world.
Bees, Cherry Blossoms and Where Cherries Are Grown
Bees play a critical role in pollinating cherry blossoms each spring. Without bees, there would be no cherries — and no tart cherry juice! Michigan's Traverse Bay region benefits from ideal growing conditions: rich soil, lake-effect climate, and an abundance of pollinators.
Celebrate National Cherry Month with Traverse Bay Farms
Explore our award-winning tart cherry products — from juice to concentrate to capsules — all crafted from Michigan-grown tart cherries.
Shop Tart Cherry Products
Explore our award-winning tart cherry products — from juice to concentrate to capsules — all crafted from Michigan-grown tart cherries.
Shop Tart Cherry Products
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