Premature Apple Tree Blooms – Will There Be Repercussions On Next Year’s Crop?
Q: My apple trees are blooming. Will this have any repercussions on next year’s crop?
A: Premature blooming usually happens after there have been weather inconsistencies between spring and fall. In other words, wet-dry-wet-dry or cold-warm-cold-warm. The developing flower buds on the tree get out of sync. Some are ready to open after good weather in fall and some still need chilling before opening properly in spring. Since comparatively few flowers open in fall and since you’ll be thinning the fruit that appears in spring, the effect on your harvest is minimal.