At a Glance 
- Dark sweet cherries are now available for pick-your-own at Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts.
- Sweet cherries are one of the most challenging fruits to grow in New England because of cold winters and changing weather.
- Many cherry varieties rely on cross-pollination, making honeybees and other pollinators essential to a successful harvest.
- Black Gold cherries are known for their rich flavor, firm texture, and dark color.
- Cherry season is short, usually 7-10 days
As our 2026 season gains momentum here at Parlee Farms, we are happy to announce that our cherries are ready! This year’s harvest features Black Gold and Regina cherries, a delicious dark sweet variety that is known for its rich flavor and juicy texture. Cherry season is one of the highlights of summer, but it is also one of the shortest. There are several reasons why fresh New England cherries are such a special treat, from the challenges of growing them to the important role that nature plays in every successful harvest.
Why Cherries Can Be Challenging int he Northeast
Unlike many other fruits, sweet cherries require just the right conditions to thrive. New England has beautiful summers that are perfect for growing fruit. However, our cold winters can be especially hard on cherry trees. This is because the freezing temperatures, late spring frosts, and changing weather patterns can all affect blossoms and reduce the year’s harvest. Because of these challenges, growing sweet cherries in the Northeast requires careful planning, healthy trees, and a little help from Mother Nature.
Pollinators Make Our Harvest Possible
Many sweet cherry varieties cannot produce fruit on their own. Instead, they rely on cross-pollination, meaning pollen must be transferred between compatible cherry trees while they are in bloom. Honeybees and other pollinators perform this important work as they visit blossoms in search of nectar. Every visit helps move pollen from flower to flower, allowing cherries to begin developing. Without these hardworking pollinators, the beautiful cherry blossoms that appear each spring would never become the delicious fruit we enjoy each summer. So, we need to make sure the conditions with our tree are perfect for this!
Enjoy Fresh Sweet Cherries at Parlee Farms
Since cherry season is relatively brief, many families make it an annual tradition to visit the farm while the fruit is at its peak. We are also excited that strawberries are available for pick-your-own, making it easy to bring home two of summer’s favorite fruits in one visit.
Because cherries are so sensitive to weather, the harvest window is often brief. Once the fruit ripens, it is best enjoyed fresh and picked at just the right time. That short season is part of what makes local cherries feel so special. When they are ready, it is a good idea to visit the farm soon and enjoy them while they are at their peak.
We look forward to welcoming you to Parlee Farms to experience the fresh flavors of cherry season while it lasts! We would love to see you this weekend to pick cherries and also strawberries, which we still have. Visit this page for our Farm News, so you can see our hours and what we have.