Despite the dramatically early start to the 2015 growing season, alternating stretches of cool then seasonally warm weather have slowed vine development to a similar point as this time last year. We are now well into the grand period of growth, with 12 leaves showing, healthy and uniform shoots elongating, and large flower inflorescences maturing.
The crimson clover cover crop has been mowed and plowed under, young vines have been tied to their bamboo training sticks, and mature vines have had their shoots tucked several times. The current forecast is showing a stretch of unseasonably warm weather this coming week, which should get shoot tips to the top wires. We appear to be about 10-14 days out from first signs of bloom.
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| Typical, unwinged top inflorescence |
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| Typical, winged bottom inflorescence |
