How Cherries Really Grow in Northern Michigan’s Famous Orchards

Quick Summary Bullets

• Learn how Northern Michigan’s climate helps cherries grow

• Understand the blossom-to-cherry process step-by-step

• Discover why bees and sandy soil matter in cherry orchards

Published: January 2014 | Updated: November 2025

Introduction

Many Traverse Bay Farms customers have recently asked how cold spring weather affects the cherry orchards here in Northern Michigan. It’s a great question — and one that naturally leads to curiosity about how cherries grow in the first place. What truly makes Michigan the cherry capital of the world?

To help answer these questions, we created a short video showing how tart cherries are grown from blossom to harvest. Below is the story behind your favorite fruit, including the unique climate, soil, and pollination process that make this region ideal for cherry farming.

Traverse Bay Farms has worked closely with local growers since 2001, and understanding the orchard cycle gives you a deeper appreciation for every bottle of cherry juice or jar of jam you enjoy. For those who want even more background, the What is the History of Michigan Cherries

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Traverse Bay Farms has won 38+ national food awards and partners with Michigan growers to bring customers high-quality, fruit-based wellness products.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Over 65% of the nation’s tart cherries come from Northwest Michigan

• Cherry trees grow best in sandy, well-drained soil

• Trees take 4–5 years to produce their first full crop

• Each mature tree can develop roughly 7,000 blossoms

• Every blossom has the potential to become one tart cherry

Where Cherries Come From: Inside a Michigan Orchard

Michigan’s Ideal Growing Conditions

Northern Michigan produces most of America’s tart cherries because of its unique climate. Cold winters help trees rest, while warm, mild springs encourage blossoms. The sandy soil drains quickly, preventing excess moisture around the roots — a key factor in tree health.

How Cherry Trees Mature

Cherry trees typically take four to five years before producing fruit. During that time, growers carefully prune damaged branches and shape the trees so they stay strong and productive. These early years are essential for long-term orchard health.

The Magic of Blossoms

Every spring, cherry orchards transform into rolling hills of white blossoms. Each blossom can turn into a cherry, and the average tree produces around 7,000 blossoms. That means one tree can yield approximately 7,000 tart cherries in a single season.

Why Bees Are Essential

Bees are one of the orchard’s greatest helpers. Many cherry farms keep their own beehives to ensure strong pollination. As bees travel from blossom to blossom, they help the fruit set properly — without bees, cherries wouldn’t grow.

Growing From Blossom to Harvest

It takes about two months for a blossom to mature into a ripe tart cherry. After the fruit ripens, trees are harvested using gentle shaking equipment that safely removes cherries while protecting the branches. These cherries are quickly processed into fresh, frozen, dried, or juiced forms — including tart cherry juice concentrate.

Quick Review

Michigan’s sandy soil, cool climate, and bee-supported pollination come together to create the world’s best tart cherries. From the first blossoms of spring to the final harvest, every step plays a role in developing the rich flavor Traverse Bay Farms customers enjoy in our cherry juice and fruit products.

Enjoy Michigan Cherry Products

If you’d like to enjoy the benefits of Michigan’s cherry harvest year-round, explore our tart cherry juice concentrate and dried cherry options — made using as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible.

FAQs

Q: What makes Northern Michigan ideal for tart cherries?
A: Its sandy soil, cool climate, and Lake Michigan’s moderating effect create perfect growing conditions for cherry trees.

Q: How long does it take for a cherry tree to grow fruit?
A: Trees usually take 4–5 years to produce their first full crop.

Q: Why do cherry blossoms matter?
A: Each blossom becomes a cherry, which means blossom health determines the season’s harvest.

Q: How important are bees for cherry farming?
A: Extremely important — bees pollinate the blossoms so cherries can form.

Q: Where are Traverse Bay Farms products made and shipped from?
A: Every order is shipped from our family distribution center in Northern Michigan, and 98.2% of all orders ship within 24 hours. We use as much locally grown produce at possible.

People Also Ask

• How does cold weather affect cherry blossoms in spring?

• What type of soil is best for cherry trees?

• How long does it take cherries to grow after blooming?

• What states grow tart cherries besides Michigan?

Enjoy Traverse Bay Farms Today

Understanding how cherries grow gives customers a deeper appreciation for the orchards, farmers, and natural environment behind every Traverse Bay Farms product. From spring blossoms to summer harvest, it’s an incredible process rooted in tradition, nature, and Northern Michigan’s unique geography. We invite you to continue exploring our blog for more behind-the-orchard stories, seasonal tips, and natural wellness insights.

Continue Your Journey

Discover the full range of cherry products made with as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible.

To order cherry juice or learn more about the natural benefits of cherry juice visit Traverse Bay Farms at www.TraverseBayFarms.com or call toll-free 1-877-746-7477