This report covers the conditions and activities observed from February 8, 2021 to February 11, 2020. Written updates will be posted regularly on Fridays throughout bloom and will have a more regionalized focus. Additional updates will be posted as needed.
The first flowers are beginning to open across California as trees wake from their winter dormancy. Sonora and a few other select early bloomers are the only varieties with any measurable bloom at the moment. Cooler weather this week has slowed progression down and given growers a little extra time to get bees placed if they have not already done so.
“We are starting to see a few flowers open consistently in tops of the Aldrich variety with Nonpareil and other soft-shell varieties not far behind. Cooler weather the last few days has slowed the bloom down. Next week is when it will all get going,” said Ballico area grower Rodney Voumard. Read more