As expected bud break is later than average this year. Somewhat surprisingly, this date is not that unusual. Below is a table of bud break dates at Sampson Valley Vineyard over the last 9 years.
Growing Year
|
Date of bud break
|
GDD at Bud break *
|
| 2014 | 5/21/2014 |
111
|
| 2013 | 5/17/2013 |
132
|
| 2012 | 5/6/2012 |
193
|
| 2011 | 5/21/2011 |
101
|
| 2010 | 5/3/2010 |
133
|
| 2009 | 5/22/2009 |
-NA-
|
| 2008 | 5/22/2008 |
-NA-
|
| 2007 | 5/4/2007 |
-NA-
|
| 2006 | 5/4/2006 |
-NA-
|
Note that the bud break average date is May 13. Average GDD at bud break is 134. So bud break this year is only about a week behind the 9 year average.
Based on forecasted temperatures and average temperatures after the extended forecast period, bloom is estimated to begin on June 18.
So far most vines look like they survived the severe winter quite well. The one notable exception so far is foch. Looking at the foch buds during pruning, we were seeing significant bud damage. We are seeing good bud growth now, so hopefully there was no major trunk or vine vascular damage.
