The early spring has created ideal blossoming conditions for both dessert apples and pears.
"Our orchards down in Kent are spectacular," said grower Adrian Scripps.
Kanzi and Greenstar are part of an 18 hectare orchard at Hononton Farm at Brenchley. Both varieties are being grown on trellis which now accounts for 105ha out of the 400ha within the group, spread across its four farms.
"The bloom on Conference pears is somewhat variable, but with excellent temperatures during pollination this should be sufficient for an average crop," he stressed. "Comice and Concorde have been exceptional, with a good set anticipated."
It is still too early to make an initial judgement on Bramley as buds are still tight, but indications are that yields will be reasonable.
There is though still a critical period before fruit can safely be judged to be clear of frost damage. James Simpson, director, added that the firm is ‘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," he said
As the blossom fades it is also time when growers look for good cell division which equates with yield. “Prolific bloom however, does not mean a mass of small sized fruit if growers follow a thinning programme," he added.
No comments yet