Hey Warren, from the research and observations I’ve been doing and comparing production of varieties grown in Florida vs SoCal, I believe Piña Colada will be a good producer here. Our cold weather induces blooms a little too much so blooming is not an issue.
Our major issues arise when flowering and fruit set coincide with a temperature and humidity that accelerates the proliferation of fungal disease pressures, namely Powdery Mildew. I don’t know yet if Piña Colada has issues with PM but some varieties like LZ definitely does. Other varieties like NDM can get PM on its blooms but still hold fruit but if we get a more virulent strain of PM, things can change fast.
Powdery Mildew is still relatively easy to control through integrated pest management and I’m beginning to realize the foresight that Squam256 had when he warned against the improper use of specific systemic Fungicides that if used improperly, could lead to the rise of more resistant strains of Powdery Mildew and other fungi.
I believe the use of Copper, Sulfur, Sodium Bicarbonate, Neem, etc... is enough to bring down disease pressures to the point where varieties that do have issues with fungi will still be able to produce good crops.
And yes, Piña Colada is an absolutely delicious flavor bomb.
Simon