Apple Trees

[PhilBen]

Hi we have a couple of apple trees in large pots at the bottom of the garden. We bought them last year and this year we have quite a few apples on them. My question is when do you know when to pick. Ive think it's about August time ?

[binley100]

That's quite early. It's usually when the stalks have gone brown and the apple comes away easily as its lifted. Also the pips turn brown. Our tree is an early variety but isn't usually ripe till early September.

[littleexperience]

it all depends on the variety of the trees some are early some late generally speaking from mid sep to mid oct is the picking times for apples but as previously said if the stalks are brown and a slight twist in your hand it should come away easily if not its not ready.one thing i will say if you are in cornwall picking times may be a bit earlier than most people dew to your location for instance the same variety of apples would tend to be 2-3 later for picking in my location

[FB.]

As already mentioned - picking time varies considerably with the variety, and to some extent on the growing conditions of that season and your local area; the South ripens better and earlier than the North.
Some apple varieties ripen all at once, while others may gradually ripen a few at a time, giving a month picking season.

With some varieties (especially eating apples ripening in summer) it is important to pick at just the right time to be able to capture their finest flavour. Many of the summer apples "go off" within a day or two of picking, so are best harvested a few at a time, as needed.
The North-facing side of the tree will generally ripen last, while the South-facing side of the tree should ripen first. That may help prioritise picking.

With other varieties (such as cookers, or eaters suitable for cooking) the time of harvesting is less critical.

If you know which varieties you have, we can tell more accurately when they need picking.

Ultimately, there are a few natural signs that the crop is ready - such as the tree dropping ripe apples.
A quick test is to gentle support an apple in the palm of your hand, give it a gentle lift and a gentle twist. If it doesn't come away from the tree, then it isn't ripe.

[Alison]

When it's getting near picking time, OH seems to be out craddling the fruits every day as he can't wait to eat them. As soon as they come off easily he's like a pig in muck

[PhilBen]

Apple trees

Many thanks for your advice, we also have pear and plum trees but they don't seem to be doing much other than growing leaves
I will check my apples to see when ready
Many Thanks
Phil