Okanagan peaches are scarce this summer

Many of the Okanagan’s u-pick farms are not open for peaches this year.

An extra cold start to 2022 was not beneficial for the region's stone fruit trees.

Peter’s Orchard in Vernon announced on Facebook there will be no peaches this season.

“… due to the unusual and erratic weather conditions we have experienced last summer and this spring, we will not have any peaches or apricots,” reads Peter’s post.

“While the trees did initially blossom as expected, cooler than normal temperatures killed the small fruit buds so the peach and apricot trees are not producing any fruit this season.”

It’s the same story at Paynter's Fruit Market in West Kelowna.

“Due to the very cold winter our 2022 crop of peaches is extremely small,” reads the Paynter's website.

“As of right now we will not be doing any you-pick on peaches for 2022."

READ MORE: Apple grower offers U-pick in response to scarce farm labour

Paynter's website says the peach season normally runs from the end of July to early September.

However it’s not impossible to find peaches in the Okanagan this year.

Some of the peaches prevailed at Griffith Farms in Westbank, albeit that orchard also took a hit from the weather.

“We regret to inform you that we will have no Harbrite, Glohaven or Cresthaven Peaches this year,” reads their Facebook post.

“There is only a very light crop of Harrow Diamond so we will not have U-pick peaches this year and we will not be taking any preorders for peaches. The Harrow Diamonds are estimated to be ready around the beginning of August and will be sold first come first serve. Other crops to be announced later in the season.”

READ MORE: World's largest orchard ladder to return to Summerland

Espeut-Post Orchards in Summerland is closed until Aug. 1, but their website estimates five different varieties of peaches to be available for u-pick this summer, beginning in early August.

Down in Osoyoos, Hillside Orchards U-Pick and Farm Market just announced this morning that their first variety is available.

“Finally!” their Facebook post says.

“Our Early Redhaven Peach block is now open for u-pick. These peaches are great for fresh eating. We do not recommend them for canning.”

To contact a reporter for this story, email Dan Walton or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.