This report covers the conditions and activities observed from February 18, 2025, to February 23, 2025. Written updates will be posted regularly on Mondays throughout bloom and will have a more regionalized focus. Additional updates will be posted as needed.
The almond bloom this year has been as varied as the weather. While the observations noted here hold generally true, there are examples in each region of bloom progressing far ahead or lagging well behind the noted stages.
The Sacramento Valley continued to lead the 2025 bloom, with a mix of weather conditions observed. The period started with scattered showers in Butte and Glenn counties followed by a storm across the region with measurable rain of at least 0.15”. These conditions induced an earlier petal fall across most varieties. The remainder of the period saw warmer temperatures and generally good bee activity. These conditions coincided with post-peak bloom and the first signs of jacket for earlier varieties such as Sonora and Winters. Nonpareil and most California varieties all reached peak bloom during this period as well. Butte and Padre plantings also started showing their first measurable amounts of bloom for the new crop year.
The central and southern San Joaquin Valley saw more mild weather conditions and warmer temperatures, exceeding 70 degree highs in the tail end of the week. Bloom quickly accelerated as a result, creating some degree of concern.
Mike Peterson, a grower in Merced County stated, “Bloom weather looks excellent next week, but I am worried that it will be too hot, too dry, and go too quick.”
While the south was ahead of the central part of the Valley last week, the whole San Joaquin Valley has now essentially aligned. Sonoras peaked and petal fall is underway. Earlier blooming California varieties such as Aldrich and Fritz picked up their pace while Nonpareils and Montereys are closely following. Independence has been blooming generally a further two to three days behind but is also closing the gap on the earlier varieties. Finally, Butte and Padre started showing bloom.
Growers have been mowing vegetation within the orchards and applying materials to control fungal diseases where necessary and weather permits. With the warmer and drier conditions in the forecast, some are also looking to begin irrigation.
By: Anthony Scudder, Regional Manager
Photos By: Ashley Correia, Carla Youngblood, Christine Ivory, Justin Elam, KC Clendenin, Mel Machado, Nicole Jansen
