Germany: Development of hops in the fields currently delayed by frost periods until this month
Most of the winter 2016/2017 was very dry and warmer than long-term average in Germany, HVG reported on May 10. Only in January 2017 there were some severe ground frosts. These were very rare in the last three years, though they are essential for a good soil structure.
In March 2017, temperatures were quite high for springtime; As a consequence, this was the warmest March since weather recording began. All initial work in the hop fields could be finished very early in the year.
As of mid-April the weather situation changed considerably with very low temperatures. In all German hop growing regions there were frost periods until May with lowest temperatures being -5 degrees Celcius. In consequence, the development of hops is currently delayed. Training of the hops has not yet been finished as day temperatures are considerably below average for May. Whereas in the Hallertau and Tettnang growing regions precipitation was plentiful, in Elbe-Saale it continues to be too dry.
The weather conditions as described above have slowed down the development of the hops; this does not, however, give any indication on further development as the decisive months of July and August are yet to come. With favorable conditions as of July, hops can compensate difficult conditions in springtime; this, though, is valid for mature hops but not necessarily the case for baby hops, HVG experts said.
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