not far from the tree

Fruit trees have started blossoming around the city, much earlier than usual. The above photo of an apricot tree blossoming at Ben Nobleman Community Orchard was taken on April 4, 2010, whereas last year’s first apricot blossoms in the same neighbourhood were only on April 29th (and still they were nipped in the bud, so to speak, by a late frost, resulting in a significantly reduced apricot crop). The unseasonably warm weather that we’ve been enjoying lately is just that – unseasonable.

To find out more, we went to Not Far From The Tree volunteer Leanne Moss, who helped research what this could mean:

“In certain circumstances, warmer-than-average early spring temperatures can cause flowering buds to begin blooming early. This can spell trouble for subsequent fruit production, as the buds become much more susceptible to frost once they begin to bloom. According to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the buds of fruit trees may be damaged if they begin to bloom but are then exposed to -2 C temperatures for more than 24 hours, whereas they may survive if exposed to -6 C for less than 2 hours. The blossoms of apples, pears, cherries, and plums are susceptible to damage if exposed to -1 to -2 C temperatures. Damage to either flower buds or blossoms can lead to a significant decrease in fruit production. Apple growers in New Hampton are currently experiencing the earliest bloom seen in 50 years, which is causing distress as frost temperatures are likely up until mid May. Similar concerns are being raised in New York. Covering, heating and sprinkling with water are techniques employed to help prevent frost damage on early bloomed buds.”

Keep your fingers crossed that Toronto’s already-blossoming fruit trees will survive any upcoming frosts. And in the meantime, let’s try to enjoy the beauty of their flowers, one of the most delightful displays around. Have you spotted any fruit blossoms around town?

Tags: blossom frost risk