Green Tip
This photo is showing the first stage of the apple growth. We generally see green tip in April with the consistent warmer spring temperatures. At this point in the growing season we start our strict Integrated Pest Management Program to protect the tree and fruit from unwanted disease and pests. In our area we specifically need to stay on top of bugs like mites or aphids, and disease such as apple scab which attacks the tree leaves and then transfers to the apple. At the first sight of green tissue the apple season has begun. Photo taken in our Honeycrisp orchard block planted in...
Read MorePruning
February and March are the ideal pruning times for our trees because that’s when there most dormant. In this photo Steve, Frederick, Lolly and Richard are pruning mid April. It’s important to shape the tree so that it allows sunlight and air movement to produce the best quality apple. At this stage we also test the soil to determine what nutrients the tree needs to be healthy. Photo taken in our Honeycrisp orchard block planted in 2001.
Read MorePopcorn
Showing new leaf and the blossom stage before a full bloom. The individual bud flowers have separated into potential blooms. Photo taken in our Honeycrisp orchard block planted in 2001.
Read MoreFull Bloom
Orchard apple blossoms are well known for being in full bloom around May long weekend. This photo is what we call a mature blossom in full bloom. Showing clusters of 5 with the hope that the king bloom in the center will set and produce fruit. The four blossoms surrounding the king bloom will eventually fall off leaving the tree supporting the strongest blossom. With many things to consider at times the entire cluster or so can also produce fruit the same season. Photo taken in our Honeycrisp orchard block planted in 2001.
Read MorePollination
A beautiful honey bee pollinating the king bloom. Pollination is a very crucial stage of the season, with the help of the bees going up to a kilometer away from tree to tree, it determines what blooms set into growing fruit and what does not. What doesn’t set into fruit eventually falls off of the tree. Photo taken in our Honeycrisp orchard block planted in 2001.
Read MoreEarly Apple Stage
The apples have really started to take form, and as you can see in the photo the king bloom is the most predominate. Eventually the less dominant will naturally fall off or taken off with our thinning process to allow the dominant apple full growing potential. Photo taken in our Honeycrisp orchard block planted in 2001.
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