While in some areas in Puglia the blossoming of early stone fruit varieties is at least 20 days late, the situation seems to be entirely different in Basilicata.
Franco Lillo, technician for OP AssoFruit Italia, reports that "stone fruit is at least one week early. For example, early peaches and nectarines (Flariba, Early Bomba) are in full bloom, while the buds of other not-so-early varieties such as Big Ban have almost blossomed."
Blossoming of the Pricia variety in Basilicata.
As regards apricots, "the situation is rather similar for Ninfa, Pricia and Tsunami, while other varieties such as Pincot, Big Red, Flopria and Farbela will start to blossom next week."
"Luckily, the cold front of the past few days did not damage the orchards. It is difficult to make predictions nowadays but, considering the abundance of flowers, it looks like an interesting year."
Blossoming of the Farbela apricot variety. .
A Coldiretti report reads that almond, apricot, cherry trees and other fruit trees are blossoming way too early.
FreshPlaza talked about it with Ignazi Tateo, owner of Perfect Life Tateo and producer of various cherry varieties. "It looks like it is already spring,and blossoming is at least one week early. However, cold fronts or a sudden drop in temperatures could put an end to this early onset of spring."
The blossoming of Ferrovia cherries in south-east Bari.
"For us producers, having the produce one week early is a good thing, as it means fruit is more staggered so everything does not become available at once saturating the market."
"I hope the season will indeed be early. The climate conditions of the past few years are putting us producers to the test. We will be fully committed for the next campaign as well, but we can only hope in a favorable climate."