If your peach trees were in bloom during one of our earlier cold snaps, then it will be doubtful that you will have a peach crop this year. I know the there won’t be much of a peach crop in the Wichita area and probably not many places in southern Kansas. The peaches bloomed earlier than in the rest of the state and the fruit buds were killed by frost. However, the peaches near Manhattan may bear a crop. Low temperatures this past weekend did kill any blossoms that were open but those that were still closed made it through. Actually 28 degrees is the temperature at which we start losing peach buds if they are in full bloom. Unopened buds are more cold tolerant. So how can you tell if your peach buds are still alive?
To check for low temperature injury to fruit buds or blossoms, use a sharp knife or razor blade and cut the bud in half longitudinally. If the area in the center is white to cream color and the style of the pistil is has not darkened then no damage has been done. But if the center in several buds or blossoms is dark brown or black, it has been killed. (Ward Upham)
To check for low temperature injury to fruit buds or blossoms, use a sharp knife or razor blade and cut the bud in half longitudinally. If the area in the center is white to cream color and the style of the pistil is has not darkened then no damage has been done. But if the center in several buds or blossoms is dark brown or black, it has been killed. (Ward Upham)
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