Warm temperatures in late February and early March have led fruit trees across Virginia to blossom early. Based on what growers are seeing, the number of blooms indicate at banner crop. However, there is a risk a portion of that crop could be wiped out by a freeze or frost.

“The trees are loaded heavy,” said Virginia Gold Orchard owner Thomas Vandiver. “Now we’re just crossing our fingers and hoping we can get all those buds through.”

Vandiver farms Asian pears at his orchard near Natural Bridge. He estimates he lost 90% of his crop last year due to a hard freeze in late April. Vandiver made up for the lost revenue with other crops that included cut flowers.

While it was disastrous, Vandiver says the loss of fruit gave his trees a rest, and they have produced more blooms than usual as a result. Each blossom represents a piece of fruit, and each piece of fruit represents income.

So, how cold is too cold?

“They’re fine down to 27, 28 degrees, which it’s getting cold at night still,” said Vandiver. “What I’m looking out for are those 24, 23 degree nights. That’s when you start getting major blossom kill. You can lose 80 percent of your blooms. So, right now is a dangerous time of year for us and there’s not a lot that you can do.”

Asian pear trees in full bloom at Virginia Gold Orchard near Natural Bridge (Photo: George Noleff)

“That last frost for central Virginia, the Roanoke Valley is around mid-April,” said WFXR Meteorologist Kara Thompson. “For the New River Valley, Allegany Highlands it’s the beginning of May, and we’re still in March.”

“Right now, you just got to pray,” said Vandiver. “If we do make it through, it’s going to be a great year; it’s going to be a bumper crop.”

Source - https://www.wkrg.com