Kentville Research and Development Centre
2025-26 Bud Hardiness Report No. 3 - Nova Scotia
Attached, from Jeff Franklin and Dr. Harrison Wright, is Nova Scotia bud hardiness report #3 for the 2025-26 year. The Nova Scotia wine grape bud hardiness survey generates occasional reports of the low temperature exotherm (LTE) values over the dormant period (roughly from late October to late April).
Note from the research team: All varieties in the survey have slightly increased their hardiness since the last survey date and are close to the average values observed in previous years. Overall, winter temperatures have been consistent with the exception of a brief warming period in the middle of January, and monthly temperatures have been either average or slightly below average. This has provided an optimal environment for overwintering buds, and we have maintained a safe margin between observed temperatures and bud hardiness levels. Long term forecasts are predicting seasonal to slightly above seasonal temperatures for the remainder of February and the possibility of cooler than average temperatures in March. From an overwintering perspective, this would be ideal and ensure that buds remain dormant until May.