Apples sometimes drop to the ground before they reach the desired harvest maturity. This pre-harvest fruit drop can cause significant losses in apple orchards. As apples mature, an abscission layer of specialized cells naturally forms between the apple stem and the fruit spur to which it is attached. The abscission layer allows the apple to be released from the tree without causing damage to the tree. However, apples may fall off the tree before the ideal harvest maturity has been …
What is the best way to tell when apples and pears are ripe?
Harvest time varies with individual tastes and locality. One may consider a fruit ripe, while another individual believes it is immature. However, fruit picked too soon does not store well and does not develop full flavor. Probably the most reliable index is the number of days after bloom: Red Delicious takes 135 to 155 days from full bloom to harvest, whereas Granny Smith takes 170 to 180 days from full bloom to harvest. Other factors to consider include seed maturity; …
Should I wait until after a frost to harvest my apples?
No, harvest apples before the temperature drops below about 28°F. That is canopy temperature and will not necessarily be reflected by the thermometer on your porch.…