Abundant Kent cherry blossom announces possible early start to British season

British cherry blossom is bountiful at family-owned Little Sharsted Farm in Kent, marking the approach of this year’s British cherry season.

British cherry

British cherry trees are particularly dependent on honeybees because their flowers are relatively small with a relatively low nectar reward

This year, cherry growth is forecast to be slightly ahead of schedule, and if the weather continues to stay sunny and warm, cherries could hit supermarket shelves as early as the end of May, according to leading UK cherry distributor Driscoll’s.

Jon Hillary, Driscoll’s cherry product manager, said: “As we prepare for the cherry season, we’re preparing to see cherry growth a little earlier than anticipated this season. However, the cherry blossoms will require warmer, stable weather conditions to ensure optimal pollination. While forecasts suggest an early start to the cherry season, it will depend on whether we see a sunnier spring ahead. Nevertheless, we’re looking forward to delivering fresh British cherries to consumers.”

Cherries sold by Driscoll’s to UK retailers are grown by Berry Gardens Growers, who stretch from Kent to Kincardineshire with orchards in Kent, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Norfolk, Staffordshire, and Perthshire all contributing to this year’s harvest.

Berry Gardens Cherry Grower Sarah Neaves added: “This year’s British cherry blossom really is in its abundance, with our honeybees working hard to pollinate each of the cherry flowers, allowing them to develop into sweet British cherries. If the warmer spring weather continues we could see the British cherry season arriving a few weeks earlier this year. We’re looking forward to seeing how it all unforlds. British cherries are truly exceptional fruits and we’ll be immensely proud to provide them to Driscoll’s this summer.”

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