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When I last wrote to you it was Autumn, and the Frog Hollow trees were preparing for winter by completing “bud set”. At this stage, all of the growth for next year was pre-determined, and stored inside tiny, tightly protected flower and leaf buds. Next, the trees stored their extra energy deep in the roots, and then proceeded to take a nice winter rest. Within, what feels like, a blink of an eye, we have jumped to Spring, and the trees are back in action.
As the weather warms up and the days get longer, bud swell is initiated; and energy that was previously stored is now mobilized. Using this energy, the buds expand until they open fully and a beautiful flower appears. In order to attract insects for pollination, the flowers emerge before any leaves. This leads to a beautiful spectacle, bare tree limbs covered in vibrant and fragrant flowers. The bloom lasts just a few days, at which time the bees and other pollinator insects have to act fast.
Within each fruit tree flower, there are both female and male reproductive parts. Pollinator insects are attracted to the flowers. They carry pollen from the male “anther” to the female “pistil.” This pollen deposit fertilizes the flower, initiating seed formation. For protection, the tree begins to form a fleshy wall around each seed. In the case of our trees, this protective wall is the sugary fruit we will enjoy in no time.
The flowering and seed setting occurs fast. Just two weeks ago we saw the first flowers emerge. By now, most of the apricots, peaches, nectarines and plums have hit peak bloom, and we are currently starting to see the petals fall. As the flowers wilt away, it is immediately apparent whether or not pollination occurred. If the flower was successfully pollinated, a small round growth can be felt under the wilting flower petals. This is why Farmer Al has spent much of this week surveying his trees. Around every corner, we see him poking his head into the tree’s canopy, squeezing the wilting flower between his fingers, hoping to feel the beginnings of his legendary fruit. I was amazed to learn that in the course of this week, he can more or less determine fruit set for the season. He has determined that the peaches and nectarines look right on track, as do the Santa Rosa plums. He’ll have to wait until next week to assess to rest of the plums. Al tells us the “apricots are looking to be another bumper crop like last year.” This is great news, as last year’s apricots produced more than ever in Frog Hollow history. I was also surprised when Farmer Al told me that time of flowering is not related to time of fruit. For instance, the cherries are the last trees to bloom, but the earliest to harvest.
Flowering used up all of the trees stored energy. This means it is the leaves turn to take over in the production of energy. So, in no time we will see the leaf buds break and bright green leaves appear. The leaves will elongate and begin photosynthesizing, producing sugary energy to plump up the stone fruit that we are all waiting for!
