A cool spring and early summer, followed by warm and dry temperatures in August and September, have pushed back the fruit harvest dates.
Denise MacDonald, a Summerland orchardist, said the harvest this year is at least a week later than usual.
Because the harvest is beginning later than normal, fruit pickers will have less time to finish.
“Our harvest window has shrunk,” she said.
Despite the diminished picking season, MacDonald said most apple varieties should be fine this year, although the latest varieties, such as Pink Lady and Fuji apples may have problems.
Jean Lauer has also noticed the later harvest season this year.
In 2009, the harvest began on Sept. 10 and last year, it was on Sept. 15.
“The size for us is not great either,” she added.