When spring arrives, the natural world undergoes a stunning transformation. One of the most enchanting sights during this season is the blooming of apple blossoms. These delicate and fragrant flowers herald the promise of a bountiful harvest to come.
When do apple trees bloom?
Apple trees blossom in the spring. It depends on the variety, but it will be sometime between late April and the end of May. It is important to know when the trees blossom because of the need for cross pollination to get a good harvest.
For most trees they need another apple tree to cross pollinate to produce fruit. For successful cross pollination there will need to be another tree nearby also in flower at the same time.
In an urban setting, this could be a tree in a neighbouring garden. In an orchard, it is important that different varieties of apple trees flower at the same time.
The best way to understand blossom times is to use a diary to keep track of the different stages of the apple tree blossom and fruiting cycle each year. With a diary it is possible to review what did and didn’t work so that adjustments can be made for next year.
How long do they bloom for?
Apple trees bloom only for a short window. Usually 1 – 2 weeks. This is why selecting varieties that come into flower at the same time as other trees nearby can help with pollination (and the keeping of a diary).
What are the stages of growth out of the winter?
Apple trees go through specific stages as they transition out of winter and into spring, leading up to the blossoming of their flowers and the eventual fruit production. These are the primary stages of an apple tree’s growth as it emerges from the dormancy of winter:
- Winter Dormancy: During the winter months, apple trees are in a state of dormancy. They have shed their leaves, and their metabolic activity slows down. This is a period of rest and energy conservation.
- End of Dormancy: As winter begins to wane and temperatures start to rise, apple trees gradually exit their dormancy phase. This typically occurs in late winter or early spring, triggered by the combination of temperature and light cues.
- Bud Swell: The first visible sign of an apple tree’s awakening from dormancy is bud swell. The buds on the branches start to swell and become more prominent. This is a crucial stage for the development of flowers.
- Silver Tip: After bud swell, the buds progress to the “silver tip” stage. At this point, the tips of the buds turn a silvery color, and the buds continue to grow.
- Green Tip: The next stage is “green tip.” The buds continue to develop, and the green color becomes more pronounced as the leaves start to emerge. This is an indication that the tree is preparing for leaf and flower growth.
- Half-Inch Green: During this stage, the buds and new leaves are about half an inch long. The tree’s growth becomes more evident, and the risk of late spring frost damage becomes a concern for growers.
- Tight Cluster: As the leaves and flower buds continue to develop, they become tightly packed together on the branches. This stage is crucial as it precedes the full bloom of apple blossoms.
- Pink Bud: The apple buds start to take on a pinkish hue as the flowers inside the buds begin to develop. This is a beautiful and highly anticipated stage in apple orchards.
- Full Bloom: This is the stage when the apple tree is covered in beautiful, fragrant blossoms. The tree is at its most visually stunning during this time, and it’s a critical phase for pollination.
- Fruit Set: After successful pollination and fertilization, the flowers develop into small fruit. These tiny apples begin to grow, and the tree transitions from the flowering stage to the fruiting stage.
- Fruit Growth: Over the following weeks and months, the apple fruits continue to grow and mature. They increase in size and develop their characteristic color, eventually becoming ripe for harvest.
FAQ
What months do apples blossom?
In the UK apple trees blossom sometime between late April to the end of May. The exact date that the tree starts to blossom depends on the variety as well as how long and cold the winter has been and light levels that trigger the tree to come out of dormancy.
Why is my apple tree not blossoming?
Some of the reasons that the tree is not blossoming could be:
- It is too early in the year, other apple tree varieties may blossom sooner.
- It is a young tree in its first few years of life the tree may not blossom, as young trees will not produce fruit. This could be for up to the first 6 years.
- The blossoming branches may have been removed by over-pruning.
- Frost can damage the developing flower buds, if this is the case the tree will not bloom.
- Soil that is deficient in nutrients such as phosphorous and potassium can hinder blossoming. Adding compost as a mulch around the tree can help to restore the balance of nutrients within the soil.
- Trees that are stressed or unhealthy may not blossom. Stress can be environmental factors such as drought, excessive heat, poor soil, inadequate sunlight. Unhealthy trees may have had physical damage through strong winds or root damage during transplanting.
- Stressed and unhealthy trees are more likely to be affected by pests and disease, which could affect their blossom.
Does blossom mean fruit?
The natural cycle of an apple tree suggests that blossom would lead to fruit. However there are numerous factors that could prevent the tree from producing fruit after it has blossomed:
- Inadequate pollination
- Heavy wind removing the blossom before pollination has happened
- Late frost damaging the blossom or developing fruit
Should I remove blossom from an apple tree?
If blossom is removed from the tree it will prevent fruit from growing, so generally it is not a good idea.
If you are planning to eat the blossom, or use it for flower arrangements then it can be removed. The apple harvest will obviously be impacted.
Sometimes there is a case for fruit thinning to improve the size and quality of the fruit. It would be recommended to thin once the fruitlets have set, in early summer not at the blossom stage in spring.
Do apple trees bloom before or after the leaves?
The leaves begin to appear first, then the blossom. After blossom leaves develop further, both growing bigger and growing more of them.
Do apple trees have a rest year?
Yes, some cultivars produce fruit in alternate years. This is called biennial bearing.
Are apple blossoms edible?
Yes they are edible delicious and fragrant.
Conclusion
Understanding the process and stages of apple tree blossom, observing what is happening with your trees and those nearby will allow you to get the best out of your apple trees.
Where are you at with your apple trees? Are they bearing beautiful blossom and great fruit? I would love to hear in the comments below.