Blossoms on fruit trees are expected to show a little later than usual when compared with the last 10 years.
Two years ago, some of the fruit trees in Summerland were in full blossom by the end of March, and three years ago, fruit trees in one Summerland orchard were beginning to blossom by March 22.
Last year and this year, the blossoms are appearing later.
However, Steve Brown, a fruit grower in Summerland, said the expected blossom dates for this year are close to the average over the past 30 to 50 years.
He added that in recent years, the dates of the blossoms have varied widely.
“It seems like there are some pretty big swings,” he said.
And while last year and this year have had cool, wet weather in spring, Brown said the climate for fruit growing in Summerland is changing.
“On average, we are getting longer seasons,” he said, “but this may be an anomaly.”
Two years ago, when fruit trees were in blossom earlier than usual, the summer was cooler and wetter than normal.
Some fruit growers, himself included, have been planting later varieties to take advantage of the longer growing seasons.
In his Happy Valley orchard, Brown has planted some pink lady apples, which mature late in the season.
