One sign of springtime in the Pacific Northwest is a cherry orchard in full bloom, and Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers in Wenatchee, WA, reported such an event is now taking place.

Oneonta Marketing Director Scott Marboe said April 10 that this year’s Northwest bloom portends good things to come.

“It is a big bloom,” he said, noting the first trees blossomed in late March. “Those are in the earliest districts in the southeast corner of the state and the bloom has moved northward without any real weather issues. Warm daytime temperatures have been great, and our nights for the most part have been cold but not damaging cold.”

Cherry trees in Washington state are showing a large bloom this spring, and first fruit is expected to ship the first week of June. (Photo courtesy of Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers)First fruit could come within the next six weeks, Mr. Marboe said.

“We expect cherries from our earliest districts to start the first week of June barring any severe weather, and volume should then pick up going into mid-June. Fourth of July opportunities should be excellent,” he said.

Oneonta is looking for more cherry volume this season. “We have increased our production again for 2013 with more acreage coming in to production from earlier plantings,” he said. “We also have some newer early varieties that replaced some of our older trees, and they are starting to ramp up this year. Our estimates are right around 2 million packed cartons of red cherries.”

In addition, Rainier production expected to be up significantly this season, Mr. Marboe said.

“We have really stepped up our Rainier plantings over the past few years and are expecting about a 20-30 percent growth in production in that category. Demand is exceptional worldwide for increased Rainier opportunities,” he added. “We should have really great volume on Rainiers for National Rainier Day July 11.”

As excitement for the new cherry season builds, Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers is rolling out its new “CherrysnaQ” bags and cartons that feature eye-catching and kid-friendly graphics and a healthy lifestyle and diet message. The tagline "Eat and Play the Healthy Way" is included on the new packaging.

“Feedback from people who have seen it has been extremely positive,” Mr. Marboe said. “They see the great message it delivers and the opportunity it brings with point-of-sale appeal. We’ll have our merchandisers available, and we’re running a number of in-store display contests at retail stores across the country and in overseas markets as well.”