Fruit Trees Ready to Blossom

With the arrival of spring weather, Palisade’s growing season is underway. Apricot trees are beginning to blossom. Peach trees are projected to be in full bloom by the end March

According to Dr. Harold Larsen, Plant Pathologist for Colorado State University’s Research Center on Orchard Mesa, warmer and cooler temperatures accelerate or delay fruit blossoms. Below are projected full-bloom dates for the various types of fruit trees within the orchards of the Palisade area:

Apricots are projected to be in full bloom March 23

Redhaven and Elberta Peaches are projected to be in full bloom March 30

Bing Sweet Cherries are projected to be in full bloom April 6

Bartlett Pears are projected to be in full bloom April 6

Prune/Plums are projected to be in full bloom April 7

Tart Cherries are projected to be in full bloom April 13

Red Delicious Apples are projected to be in full bloom April 14

Last year, the blooms were about three weeks later,” said Carol Zadrozny, owner of Z’s Orchards. “We’re seeing warmer temperatures this year which starts the fruit growing season earlier.” Specific blossom dates can vary from Palisade to East Orchard Mesa in Western Colorado’s Grand Valley.

“The variety of blossoms gives the Palisade area a wonderful splash of color,” said Zadrozny. Interested individuals can follow projected bloom dates on the C.S.U Research Center’s website at http://www.colostate.edu/programs/wcrc/pubs/research_outreach/budswcrcom.pdf .