Calwineries

Budbreak

The Importance of Budbreak

The soil temperature and varietal type both have an impact. Vines grown in warmer soils will begin to bud earlier than those grown in cooler soils. The degree to which the soil type retains heat is also very important. Cooler soils, especially clay, will delay budbreak, while rockier, warmer soils will accelerate it. The type of varietal also has an impact on when budbreak will occur.

If budbreak occurs too early, the young shoots may be vulnerable to frost damage during spring. However, if budbreak occurs too late, the grapes may not have enough time to fully ripen. The grower will also be in the uncomfortable position of deciding to let the grapes hang during the fall. Frost and rain may damage the crop at the end of the growing season.

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