This report covers the conditions and activities observed from March 3 to March 9, 2025. This is the final report of the 2025 bloom. The next report is scheduled for Monday, March 31, 2025. However, in the event of any significant occurrences prior to that date, this site will be updated as soon as possible.
The 2025 almond bloom is quickly drawing to a conclusion in all areas of the central valley. This period started with concern, as growers continue to assess for potential hail damage. Sunday, March 3rd brought a cold storm to most of the California almond growing region. Hail of various duration, size, and intensity was reported as far north as Maxwell in Colusa County and as far south as Arvin in Kern County. Stanislaus, Merced, and Madera counties appear to have received the most hail from this storm. Another storm on Wednesday, March 5th brought further reports of scattered rain and hail.
Of the potential for hail damage in the Sacramento Valley, Josh Pippitt in the Sutter Buttes noted: “Although there were not many nuts on the ground, we may not see the extent of the damage for several weeks, possibly a month while those trees shed any damaged nuts.”
The storms that passed over the valley have accelerated the degree of petal fall in all early and mid-blooming varieties, leaving only the remnants of the last few flowers visible in the trees. Nutlets of these varieties can now be observed growing within and breaking free of their jackets. The bloom of the Butte and Padre is now winding down rapidly, with only a small percentage of viable flowers remaining open and available for pollination.
Due to the wet conditions, growers have not had much opportunity to get into orchards during this period. Some are weighing the effective duration of previous fungicide applications and are working to determine whether another treatment should be made. Forecasts of additional wet weather during the coming weeks increase the potential for fungal development. Beekeepers have just started to be remove hives in some early blooming orchards and will continue to be as conditions improve.
By: Anthony Scudder, Regional Manager
Photos By: Austin Jackson, Christine Ivory, KC Clendenin, Mel Machado & Nicole Jansen
