The pdf linked below contains the maturity measurements through yesterday, September 5. Samples were only taken from the Alson H. Smith, Jr. AREC and a few nearby farms in Winchester. With a small sample size, this information is only meant as a general guide as to the maturity of apples in the area. Maturity at your own orchard may be different. Additionally, the use of NAA, ReTain, and 1-MCP (SmartFresh) will affect maturity. For more information on maturity testing, please see my previous post.
Cultivars tested include:
- Red Delicious
- Golden Delicious
- Empire
- Fuji
- York
- Rome
- Idared
- Stayman
According to these data, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Empire can still be picked for long-term storage and for about another week for shorter term storage. Some early coloring strains of Fuji are ready for harvest. Later strains will benefit from additional time spent on the tree to develop red color and varietal flavor. Rome, Idared, and Stayman are at least one to two weeks away from harvest.
Will any fruit still be on the trees in October?!