When is cherry picking season? And how to pick cherries

Updated Nov 2026 · 3 min read · By the U-Pick Near team

Quick answer

Short version: cherry picking is in early summer, usually June into July, and each variety lasts only a couple of weeks. Cherries do not ripen after picking, so pick fully colored fruit and taste one first; keep stems on for eating fresh.

When are cherries in season?

Our season data puts cherries in early summer within the Jun to Aug stone fruit window, earlier in California and later in Michigan and Washington. Rain near harvest can split fruit, so farms may open and close quickly.

How do you tell if a cherry is ripe?

UC IPM says pick when firm and fully colored, and taste sweet cherries to be sure; they will not ripen off the tree. Tart cherries are ready when they come off easily without stems.

How do you pick cherries?

Hold the stem and lift and twist so the stem comes with the fruit without tearing the fruiting spur, which bears next year. Keep stems attached for eating fresh; Nebraska Extension notes they keep better that way.

Where can you pick cherries?

These farms mention cherries in their listing. Check each farm before you go.

Honey Rock Landing, Delta, CO
American River Cherry Company, Placerville, CA
Bellinger's Orchard, Fultonville, NY
Bill's Berry Farm, Grandview, WA
Bloomfield Cherries, Brentwood, CA
C & D Cherries, Leona Valley, CA
Chavez U-Pick Cherries, Brentwood, CA
Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, Ronks, PA
Cherry Hill, Mead, WA
Cherry Hill Farm, Leona Valley, CA
Cherry Hill Orchards Inc., Lancaster, PA
Cherry Knoll Farm, Marathon, NY

More at peach and cherry farms. Bring a cherry pitter if you plan to bake.

Next: peach season.

Quick questions

What month is cherry picking?

Mostly June into July, depending on region.

Do cherries ripen after picking?

No. Pick fully colored cherries and taste one first.

Sources

General guidance, not advice for a specific farm. Farm rules, prices and dates vary, so check with the farm.