The leaf buds begin to open in at last 3 places on the object under observation. The first green is visible.

In at least 3 places on the object under observation, first leaves have pushed themselves completely out of the bud or leaf sheath and have unfolded completely, so that the leaf stalk or leaf base is visible. This phase is sometimes only recognizable by bending back the young leaf. The individual leaf has taken on its ultimate form, but has not yet reached its ultimate size.

The flower buds begin to burst in at least 3 places on the object under observation. The green leaf tips enclosing flowers are visibile.

In at least 3 places on the object under observation the first flowers have opened completely. The stamens should be visible between the unfolded petals

Exceptions:
Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis): the first 3 flowers have opened at plantation. The flower is considered open only when the outer leaves have spread and the green tip and stamens are visible.
Heather (Calluna vulgaris): on 3 places of the plantation the first flowers have opened completely.

Approximately 50% of the flowers are open.

This phase occurs when the flowers have faded. In some existing networks “flowers have faded” is equated with “approximately 95 % of the total petals have fallen”. This rule is some different in formulation to the BBCH69 definition but in practice “de facto” identical.

The first ripe fruits of Almond and European Chestnut fall from the tree, naturally.
Exeption: Premature ripening should not be reported.

The fruits show the colouring characteristic for their variety and can be removed easily from the fruiting lateral.
Exception: Premature ripening should not be reported.

Approximately 50 % of the leaves have taken on the colors of autumn. Colouring of leaves, caused by drought, should not be reported.

Approximately 50 % of the leaves have fallen off. Falling of leaves, caused by drought, should not be reported.