It seems that Spring has finally arrived. We know this, not just because it warmer, but because our vines are weeping.
During the winter vines go into a deep state of dormancy and can withstand temperatures of -15C. But as the soil begins to warm up, and temperatures get above 10C, the vines start to wake up. The roots begin to absorb nutrients and water and osmosis pushes the sap up from the root system which is expelled from the pruning cuts made during the winter. This looks like the vines are weeping. It only lasts a few days but in some countries a single vine can expel up to 5 litres of water!
The sap provides energy to the vine which initiates bud break. This is late this year as a result of the cold weather in March and early April. That's good news for us as we are therefore there is less risk of damage to the buds from late frosts.
My pinot noirs and meuniers are weeping too, but only where they were late pruned, about a month ago.
ReplyDeleteMy neighbour recently had her birch tree severely pruned and the sap dripped profusely. I collected 10 gallons and have loads of birch sap wine on the go!