Each season is unique and bears its own tasks to be fulfilled. Learn about the rhythm of life of our fruit trees.

Spring
Spring is a time of hope and fear. Blossoming trees are the sign of fruit to come, but no-one knows what Mother Nature has in hold. Apricot trees can withstand temperatures of -20°, but the problem is when the days become warm, the sap rises and gives birth to buds. The quantity of fruit obtained depends on the period when the tree blossoms and weather conditions at that precise moment in time:

• A sudden drop in temperature to -2°C, and the flowers perish. If a cold period sets in, buds may be killed;
• If weather conditions are too damp, the pollen becomes heavy and cannot be dispersed.

Summer
Good weather and huge quantities of water (through watering) is essential for the fruit to ripen. Depending on the year, the yield obtained from our 20 hectares (49.4 acres) of orchards can range from 150 000 to 500 000 kilos of fruit. Between 15 and 40 temporary workers are taken on to harvest the fruit. The harvest period is extremely short, rarely exceeding 20 days. Fruits are gathered several times from each orchard, which enables them to be ripe to perfection before being sorted and put into the cellar.

Autumn
Once all the fruits has been harvested, Autumn work can be done. With the help of 2 people, our head of cultivation inspects the orchards and replaces any trees that are sick or aging. Watering facilities are also checked and serviced during this time.

Winter
While nature is dormant, pruning has to be done. Dead branches and twigs are cut off, some trees need to be thinned out, and younger trees require shaping. With ladders, saws and secateurs, our staff takes care of our orchards to prepare for the coming Spring.