The Ripening Phases of Apples
Apple trees require special care to prevent disease and insect problems, but bringing an apple tree to a successful harvest is an enjoyable and satisfying activity. Dwarf apple trees begin bearing fruit within three to four years of planting; standard-size trees bear fruit after five to six years. Keep notes of when your apples ripen, because the times are usually consistent from year to year. Does this Spark an idea?
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Blossoming and Pollination
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Apple trees produce blossoms in mid-to-late spring, later than peach or cherry trees. Because of this late blooming, they are less prone to frost damage, and produce fruit more reliably than other orchard fruits in Northern climates. Bees pollinate the blossoms, causing fertilization and fruit development. Apple trees require a pollinator, or another tree of a different variety, to produce fruit. Decreased pollination can be experienced during an extended period of rainy, cold weather.
Young Fruit
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Small, green apples begin to form three to four weeks after fertilization. These small apples will continue to grow in size until late summer, after which they begin to ripen and change color. Small, green apples have a hard, woody texture and bland or very tart flavor. They are dry and unappealing.
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Mature Fruit
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Apples ripen in late summer to fall, depending on growing conditions and variety. A mature apple's ground color, or base color, changes from green to cream or yellow. Red streaks or stripes above the ground color appear early and do not necessarily indicate maturity. Other signs of maturity include a sweet, juicy taste and softer texture. Apples that are ready to harvest snap easily from the tree with an upward motion.
Harvesting Tips
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Begin checking the apples for ripeness when a few apples drop from the tree. Taste the apples to determine ripeness. If you plan to eat the apples right away, allow them to hang on the tree for a few more days. Pick apples for storage as soon as the ground color changes, though. Store them in a cool, dry location with temperatures around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove any apples with blemishes or signs of disease or insect infestation.
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References
Resources
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