Bud Formation at Henry Farm 03.02.26

Bud formation and progression can help commercial blueberry growers to get a sense of potential season timing. At Fall Creek®, our R&D team carefully tracks buds in the field as one of many data points.  

Here is a look at bud formation on some leading varieties at Fall Creek®’s Henry Research Farm in Lowell, Oregon. In addition, Applied Research Lead Sarah Brabant provides the following observations and insights on bud set and progression as of this week (3/2/26): 

“In terms of weather throughout January and February, we have seen variable daytime temperatures with some warmer weeks and within-week temperatures varying day-to-day. Many nights have gone below freezing with a particularly cold night on January 25. In the beginning of February, we had a handful of days in the mid to upper 60s while nights dipped below freezing. Additionally, we are now starting to see more precipitation than previously this winter.  

What does this mean for our varieties? Unfortunately, it is too soon to tell how or even if this fluctuating weather has affected our future crop since most of the buds are still closed. So far, our varieties are developing as follows: 

LoretoBlue™ ‘FC11-118’ and LunaBlue® ‘FC12-205’ – Buds are still closed tight and are not showing much movement yet 

ArabellaBlue® ‘FC14-062,’ Sekoya Crunch® ‘FC13-083,’ Sekoya Grande® ‘FC13-122,’ and Sekoya Fiesta™ ‘FC13-113’ – All are showing some signs of buds swelling, but have not reached the start of bud break yet 

PeachyBlue ‘ZF08-029’ – The furthest along in the bunch with significant swelling and buds starting to open-up. I would estimate that it is still less than 5% bud-break and there are no flowers popping out yet. 

In reference to season timing, thus far the progression of bud movement is seeming on track with historical bloom data, but a little later than last year (an earlier year). However, it is still too soon to tell exactly how bud development will progress and can change depending on how the weather will proceed in the future.” 

If you have questions about these varieties or others, contact a member of Fall Creek’s Grower Support Team. 

It’s important to remember that changes in weather can have a significant impact, especially this early in the year.