At Graceland Fruit, we’re fortunate to have long-standing relationships with many of our growers, including Calvin Lutz, featured.
Being located in the heart of cherry country has its perks! Northern Michigan provides the ideal environment for cherries. Well-drained sandy soil, sloped sites to help avoid spring frost, icy cold waters, and full sun create a cool, temperate climate that nurtures the orchards from bloom to harvest. Blooms appear in May when temperatures rise above 45oF. Each bloom turns into a single tart cherry. Harvest is fast and furious, lasting only a few weeks in late July-early August.
More than two-thirds of the U.S. Montmorency tart cherry crop is grown in Michigan on small family farms, like Lutz Farms. Calvin and his family are long time cherry growers for Graceland Fruit. Their farm, located in Northwest Michigan, serves the community with the best in freshly farmed fruits and vegetables, along with Christmas trees and wreaths. The Lutz Farms cherry orchard is Michigan Agriculture Environment Assurance Program (MAEAP) verified and has supplied Graceland Fruit with high-quality Montmorency cherries since 1988! Click here to learn more about Lutz Farms.
