For the past week our night-time temperatures here in a more rural part of Clark County, Washington, have been significantly colder than predicted. We were supposed to have stayed around 30 degrees for a few days, going down to the upper 20's for the rest of the week. Instead we've experienced mid-20's down to around 20 degrees. From what I've read, most apples can handle mid-20's for a short time without damage.
This spring I failed to adequately thin my GoldRush on M9 rootstock, and the apples still weren't ripe enough last week. After the first cold nights, I decided to pick them anyway. Most of them seem to be okay, and the ones that are too green will be given to wildlife. The flavor doesn't match my GoldRush on M26 rootstock that ripened around the first week in November (it was thinned properly). My takeaway from this is that GoldRush must be ruthlessly thinned in order for it to ripen well and to obtain the best flavor.
The rest of my late apples were picked by the first part of November. A couple of years ago we experienced a hard freeze just before Halloween - my Braeburn apples definitely didn't like it, but the others weren't bothered.
Chris M, what varieties are still left on your apple trees?
Yes. Even in South Georgia we are in the midst of 2 days of freezing weather. In the Feb-Feb year we are now just crossing the 650 chill hour area. With the coldest parts yet to come. Looks like another sure plus 1000 "45 degree" hour year.
I love you my summer Apple darlings in the yard. But your going to have some cold blooded cousins moving in soon to keep you company.
That brings up another point. We have a lot of rain. Humidity. Plus 30C heat plus the winter chill hours for most fruit. And a insane insect and disease/mold/virus environment.
If a fruit can make it no spray; it's a tough cookie.
GH I wish I knew what kind of apples they are. We have several mature unnamed trees on the property(about a 5 acre hobby farm). Two right outside our backdoor still have apples. They are red and green (very sweet with nice acid)and are obviously pretty late, but that's about all I know. They are trimmed to the bambi line and somebody(not me) has a shot at apple fed venison. We have deal with the deer, they get all they can reach and we have no fallen fruit on the ground(at least for very long). I have planted several since my wife and I moved in(which I do know) , but they are too young for fruit.
Chris
Larry_G, I'm so glad that you asked that question! I've used NOAA for many years, and it has always been reliable. Then this fall it seemed to be less accurate, with this last blast of cold nights really proving it.
Your question led me to this discovery - NOAA changed things up a bit, for the better it seems. Now after entering your zip code, you can locate your property using the map box on the right - "Click Map for Forecast". It then adjusts your forecast in order to reflect the more accurate location.
Idyllwild
jafar
Marsha H
Viron
John S
1 Guest(s)