Journal | April 7, 2025

Frost Predicted

Last week’s warm spell stimulated some bud break in Chardonnay. Around 10% to 20% of the buds are now showing green leaves. They are now vulnerable to frost damage. Frost is predicted for the pre-dawn hours of Wednesday morning.

If temperatures fall below 29°F these buds will freeze and die, as will the tiny clusters embedded within. Fortunately at this stage, even under the worst-case scenario we probably would not suffer too much of a crop loss. Most of the buds are not advanced enough to suffer damage given the forecasted low of around 27°F.

These spring frost threats have now become an annual rite of spring. It wasn’t always the case. Before the turn of the century we never had frost issues here at Hardscrabble. Spring came in slow and steady. There was a certain synchrony of reliable annual warming and vine development. Now things are different.

What extent of damage we will experience Wednesday morning will depend not only on temperature, but also wind and dew points.  It’s complex. The only thing that is certain is that I won’t have a good night’s sleep. 

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Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Hardscrabble Journal: April 7, 2025