Strong Almond Bloom Kicks Off 2012
The recently completed 2012 bloom has provided some hope of a crop that can fuel continued growth. California almond growers enjoyed relatively good conditions during February’s bloom season with only a few days lost to inclement weather.
A cold air mass swept across the entire Central Valley during the final week of the bloom, bringing dangerously cold morning temperatures. Growers reported some degree of frost damage along the west side of the Sacramento Valley and in areas of Stanislaus, Merced, Madera and Fresno Counties. While the losses have generally been described as light and isolated, growers reported temperatures were very cold on three consecutive mornings, reaching to as low as 26 degrees.
While the bloom period went relatively well, the potential size of the 2012 crop remains unknown and a number of weather factors can still adversely influence the crop. We will have a better idea of the 2012 crop as the growing season progresses.