The early spring has created ideal blossoming conditions for English dessert apples and pears.
"Our orchards down in Kent are spectacular," said grower Adrian Scripps, who supplied our photos of Kanzi and Braeburn, planted in January 2006.
They are part of an 18-hectare orchard at Hononton Farm, at Brenchley. Both varieties are being grown on trellis, which now accounts for 105ha of the 400ha within the four-farm group.
"The bloom on Conference pears is somewhat variable, but with excellent temperatures during pollination this should be sufficient for an average crop," Scripps said. "Comice and Concorde have been exceptional, with a good set anticipated."
It is still too early to make an initial judgment on Bramley as buds are still tight, but indications are that yields will be reasonable.
There is still a critical period before fruit can safely be judged to be clear of frost damage. James Simpson, Scripps’s fellow director added: "We are looking for six weeks of good warm weather to bring us well into May.
"Currently we have good soil moisture so rain is not paramount at this stage, although with the long term forecast of a hot summer we could all be relying on irrigation."
As the blossom fades it is also time when growers look for good cell division, which gives a good indication of yield potential.
"Prolific bloom however, does not mean a mass of small sized fruit if growers' follow a thinning programme," said Simpson.
