Grapevines throughout California are now blooming.The flowers have a powerful and unique scent that reminds me of an herbal shampoo.Recently it was discovered that the characteristic odor of grapevine flowers is emitted from their pollen grains, unlike other flowers such as roses, whose scent arises from their petals.In addition to being unscented, grape flowers don't have much visual interest; the petals are green-colored and are fused together, forming a structure that resembles a cap.Until the caps fall, the flower clusters resemble broccolini.Cap fall exposes the yellow colored anthers and the ovary, which may develop into a berry.
Bloom is a critical period in grape production because physiological and environmental conditions at bloom affect the number of flowers that will set fruit. Grapes intended for the table must be carefully managed at this time to prevent excessive fruit set. If too many flowers set fruit, the grapes will become tightly packed as they grow. Tightly packed berries often become misshapen or crushed, resulting in clusters that are unsightly and predisposed to rot.
