Between the months of February and March, a spectacular event takes place in Cieza (Murcia) that brings together thousands of nature lovers. It's about the Cieza flowering.
This phenomenon has become so popular that it is even possible to find organized trips to the region to enjoy the beauty of the floral explosion of fruit trees.
What does Cieza flowering consist of?
The Murcian municipality of Cieza has a perfect climate for growing fruit trees. So much so that The region has 13.000 hectares dedicated to stone fruit trees such as almond trees, peach, paraguayan, plum and apricot trees, among others.
These types of trees bloom with the arrival of spring, but in Murcia they usually do so a few weeks before, because this area has a fairly warm climate and its winters are mild. Therefore, a little before the rest of Spain the fruit trees begin to display the beauty of their flowers, They do it in Cieza.
For a few years now, work has begun to make the flowering season a tourist attraction, and the truth is that the strategy implemented is working very well. Because the flowering of Cieza is already beginning to be as popular as the cherry blossoms of the Jerte Valley.
A unique event
The flowers of fruit trees are very beautiful, but very ephemeral. Because they immediately give way to the appearance of fruits. Therefore, to observe the fruit trees in all their splendor, you must do it as soon as possible.
This year, the event runs from February 16 to March 10. Of course, it is expected that the flowers will last a few more days, but it is precisely during this period that visitors can complement their visit with activities that allow them to learn more about the nature, heritage, music and gastronomy of the area.
Different events are planned for 2024, such as guided routes (some dramatized), excursions, photography contests, walks, concerts, gastronomic events, and much more.
Cieza, land of peaches
The flowering of Cieza has the peach trees as its main protagonists. The peaches from this area are internationally famous, and have made this region of Murcia become the largest producer of peaches in Europe.
Every year an average of 330.000 tons of product leave here, coming from about 1.400 hectares of cultivation.
The spectacle of flowering fruit trees is never the same. In the case of peach trees, their flowers are pink and They dye the landscape with a very special color and aroma.
The importance of the peach blossom
The public's interest in the flowering of Cieza has put on the table the great importance it has the peach blossom as a tourist attraction for the region.
However, regardless of its ability to attract visitors, The peach blossom fulfills an essential mission in the development of the fruit.
- Pollination. These flowers are essential for cross-pollination. Because, for there to be fruit, it is essential that the flowers be fertilized with pollen from another tree.
- Pollinator attraction. Peach blossoms attract pollinating insects both for their beauty and their aroma. This contributes to higher peach production.
- Fruit production. The flower is the first step to obtain fruit. The flower is a source of food for pollinators, and the fruits are a source of food for animals and humans. Therefore, flowers play a very important role in the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Economic value. In areas like Cieza, peach cultivation is very important commercially and contributes to the wealth of the region. The flowers are only the first step to reach productions of thousands of units of fruit.
How long does peach trees bloom?
As we have noted before, the flowering of this floral tree occurs in the spring. The usual thing in the northern hemisphere is that it occurs between the months of March or April. But this may change depending on local weather conditions.
A good example is the flowering of Cieza, which always occurs a little before March due to the temperate climate of the region.
The duration of peach blossoms is also variable and depends on issues such as weather conditions or the state of health of the tree. Although the usual thing is that they live for two to three weeks. Therefore, if you want to see Cieza bloom this year, you are going to have to hurry.
During flowering, the pollination process is taking place. So it is normal for you to observe the presence of butterflies or bees in the field while visiting the peach trees.
Once the flower's life span has been exhausted, it withers and falls. Although it may seem that trees lose their beauty, the truth is that this is not the case. Because then a life cycle begins as important as the development of the fruits.
The process begins with the appearance of a small fruit in which the stone will then develop and then the fruit tissue. As the maturation process progresses, The peach becomes bigger, turning towards its recognized orange color, and develops that flavor that makes it unique.
Peaches are typically ready to be harvested between late June and August, depending on the variety and local weather conditions. We are talking, therefore, about a variety of summer fruit.
Between the fall of the flower in March and the beginning of the harvest in June, it only takes three months for the fruit to be ready to be tasted.
Time is running out to see Cieza bloom this year, don't miss it! And if you no longer arrive on time, Make a note in your agenda for next year.