update WA STONEFRUIT
FAVOURABLE WINTER CHILL
across all growing regions
At the time of writing, we have received significant winter chill across all growing regions in preparation for the upcoming season.
Words Kim Starkie, Industry Development Officer, WA Stonefruit
IN early July, we saw the initial bud swell in some of the low-chill, early-season varieties, around two weeks earlier than their usual window for breaking dormancy.
Whether this early movement is a sign of the season to come, or whether development will level out as winter progresses, remains to be seen.
After a notably dry July, the return of some much needed rainfall in August may also influence how the next few weeks unfold.
As always, every season brings its own conditions, challenges and opportunities.
For now, there are some encouraging early signs, and plenty to look forward to, as another WA stonefruit season gets underway.
Table 1 provides a comparison of winter chill hours across our growing regions over the past three years (1 March to 9 August). 🍑
Table 1. Winter chill
Location
Year
Chill portions
Chill hours
Lancelin
2026
17
65
2025
16
67
2024
8
38
Bickley
2026
48
217
2025
41
263
2024
33
135
Dwellingup
2026
43
457
2025
46
527
2024
33
328
Donnybrook
2026
43
457
2025
36
380
2024
33
328
Manjimup
2026
62
293
2025
54
292
2024
42
208
Data period 1 March to 9 August in each year for comparison
More information
Contact Kim Starkie, 0428 227 522, admin@wastonefruit.com.au