Later bud burst than previous year

05/06/2021

After the cold nights at the end of April, the vines sprouted a little later this year compared to the long-term average. Freezing temperatures at night, which have now been overcome, have caused some occasional damage.

Young shoots in particular, are at risk. They have to survive the danger of frosty nights which is usually only completely averted after the night of the "ice saints" on May 15th.

Temperatures of just under zero degrees Celsius are enough to cause lasting damage to young green grapevines. This was most recently the case around April 20, 2021, when frost damage was recorded in some winegrowing areas, such as in eastern Franken and southern Baden. The cool weather delays bud burst which can then delay the flowering period and later, the grape harvest in autumn. Therefore, this year, in all likelihood, flowering and harvest will also take place a little later than in the last three years. This is because not all delays in the course of the season can be compensated for by the expected warmer weather and sufficient rainfall.

Frost protection candles and controlled fires

In order to protect vines from frost, in addition to frost candles, small, permanently installed wind turbines are occasionally used in the vineyards, which mix the cold air masses on the ground with the warmer layers of air above. In some cases, this is also attempted with helicopters that fly flat over the vineyards. As an indirect frost protection measure, the winemakers keep the vegetation in the vineyards short so that the heat from the soil is not blocked by tall plants down the rows.

Theme page: Climate and Weather

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