Bloom Periods

Apple trees bloom in the spring. Their flowers are pollinated by another variety of apple tree blooming at the same time.

A few months later, you get apples.

In our area of North Carolina, the bloom periods and times are, roughly speaking:

• Early – March 21-25th
• Start Main Season  – March 26-31th
• Midseason – Middle of the Main Season
• End Main Season – April 1-6th
• Late – April 7-11th

The fewer trees you plant, the more critical bloom periods are. Plant just two trees in the wrong bloom periods and you may never get apples!

Although the piedmont is pretty forgiving, with many apple trees blooming in close proximity, a little strategy here goes a long way. Planting good partners, will result in more bountiful harvests over the years.

Here’s how it works:

• 2 trees in same bloom period = greatest pollination.
• 2 trees in bloom period immediately following one another = good pollination.
• 2 trees separated in bloom period by 1 (for example, Early and Midseason) = weak pollination.
• 2 trees separated in bloom period by 2 (for example, Start Main Season and Late)= little or no pollination.