The Phoenix vine has started flowering joining the others that are already busy pollinating themselves. I say themselves because grape vines need no insect activity to set fruit.
Against this fence Phoenix is one of the first varieties to ripen. Up to three weeks earlier than if it were grown in an open vineyard. Often harvest occurs only a couple of days after Madeleine Angevine.
And thank god they do wind pollinate. If it was left to the bees and insects it'd be a very poor show. Barely saw any last year, hopefully the nicotinoid pesticides ban helps them recover, t is only for the public though - farmers are exempt (so it may not be too effective). The use of nicotinoid insecticides may be a reason for bee decline, although it's not confirmed yet. I guess we'll see this year.
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