Leelanau Cherry Blossom Report
Last update: May 15 Sweets are in full blossom to passing and tart cherry trees are in full bloom (or nearly there). We will have excellent blossom coverage through this weekend - make your reservations now!
Dr. Nikki Rothwell, director of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station, reports that she's seeing a few sweets now. She that although sweets typically blossom first with tarts coming 3-5 days after, there have been years when they've come at the same time. She noted that cherries are only receptive to be fertilized for a week or so, no matter how long the blossoms are out. Years when we do have an enduring blossom can even be detrimental to fertilization as bees don't like to fly when it's cold.
Keep an eye on at least one tree with the Hort station's Cherry Orchard webcam.
The photo is Leelanau by Jeff Lamb, and you can view it large right here and see more of Jeff's great pics from the Leelanau Peninsula on his photography web site.
For a whole lot more about cherry blossoms, check out Cherry Blossom Time in Michigan on Michigan in Pictures and be sure to think about attending the Leelanau County Cherry Blossom Tour on May 10, 2008!
