The frost-fighting season for summerfruit growers has kicked off early this year but with a good season shaping up growers won't begrudge a few extra nights out in the cold.
Hawke's Bay Fruitgrowers' Association summerfruit chairman Bryan Fulford said the cold Hawke's Bay winter had set the trees up well for the coming season.
"We're looking at one of the best blossoms for many a year," he said. "The colder winter makes them flower better, they're nice and even and looking really good."
Early indications were for the frosts to kick off significantly earlier than usual.
In the end a slightly warmer spell meant when on Friday the turbines had to be activated it was just four days earlier than last year. However, it was a heavy start with growers out four nights in a row.
Hawke's Bay Fruitgrowers Association president Leon Stallard said the blossoming fruit trees heralded the start of spring.
"We had such a cold winter the trees were shocked into dormancy earlier, and now they're ready to wake up," he said.
Causing some concern now though was the lack of rain in recent weeks.
"It's getting very dry out there again, the creeks haven't really run all winter. We need an easterly to come and melt the snow, but I don't know if we're going to get one."
For residents annoyed by the noise of frost fighting he urged patience.
"They use 25 litres of diesel an hour. Growers don't turn them on for fun."
Chilly weather has been bloomin' great for Bay fruit
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