Warm temperatures over the last week or so have accelerated growth rapidly. In Lafayette, apples are nearing green tip, and strawberries at full bloom. Blackberries are pushing half-inch green. Further south in the state, temperatures are in the mid 70’s, apricots are in full bloom and peaches not quite at pink (thanks to Applacres for the update). Generally, we expect plants to start development when daily average temperatures are over 50 F. In Lafayette, we’ve been experiencing temperatures over 50 F since March 3 and are accumulating growing degree days. In fact, crops are at similar stages of development as they were at the same time last year.
Although we had widespread frost damage to crops around the state last year, it’s interesting to note that this wasn’t because of an early spring pushing crop development. Actually, last year was one of the later years we’ve had over the last 10 years. What got us was the late freezes on April 15 and 16. So what’s the take home message? Actually, there are 2:
- So far so good
- We still have a long, long way to go. Stay tuned.
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- Pear
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- Blackberry
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- Elderberry
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- Strawberry
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- Apple
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- Apricot
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- Black Current
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- Aronia Viking
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- Plum
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