Eriobotrya japonica – Massive early push in my Subtropical Microzone (CH)

[Mazat]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share a quick update on my Eriobotrya japonica here in Stachen (Lake Constance, Switzerland).

While the surrounding oceanic Cfb areas are still in early spring dormancy, my Loquat has started a massive vegetative push around March 15th. As you can see in the photo, the velvety, bronze-colored new leaves are already several centimeters long and pushing with incredible vigor.

This early start (about 4 weeks ahead of the regional average) perfectly correlates with my Nectarine bloom, which also exploded around March 11th/12th.

These biological indicators confirm my recently updated climate stats:

15-year Annual Mean: 11.8°C - 12.0°C

Subtropical Cfa classification (consistent summer means >22°C)

Verified by solar-ventilated Bresser Station @ 1.70m height

It’s amazing to see how this protected 443m / 425m microclimate ‘beheads’ the typical European spring delay.

Best,

Mazat

[ShadyDan]

Interesting that they push out so late in Europe. Here on Vancouver Island, they have been pushing growth since early February and consistently start growing around the same time every year, even in colder winters. We are similar to oceanic Europe but with sunnier, drier summers leading us to a Csb designation. Here are mine as of today.