Apple tree leaves all gone... will they ripen?

Ed S. · Oct 29, 2009

We have three apple trees on the property, and on one tree, the leaves are about all gone, with a bumper crop of apples still hanging on the tree. The apples are still a bit green tasting...

Anyone know if they will eventually ripen up, or are they a loss now that the tree is barren of leaves?

I don't know much about apples (not even sure what variety these are - they are red, crisp and not overly tart)...

es

glennster · Oct 29, 2009

sounds like a johnathan apple, they are ready, go ahead and pick em before they get hit with a hard frost.

Cue P. · Oct 29, 2009

We used to pick winesaps here in MA at the farm i worked on almost at Thanksgiving. Big old standard trees were high enough that frost wasnt a problem. Most of the leaves used to be gone too! Yours are probably ripe. Cut one open and check the seeds. If black/brown then its ready! They will also ripen up in storage. A light frost will sweeten them but anything below 29 and you'll have mushy apples when they thaw out!

Ed S. · Oct 29, 2009

Thanks for the info - sounds like we still have time to get 'em in. The wife's been making applesauce, apple butter, apple rings (dehydrator) and apple pie mix for two weeks now... lotta work, but we sure enjoy it throughout the rest of the year!

es

Apple tree leaves all gone... will they ripen?

Ed S.

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glennster

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Cue P.

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Ed S.

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