When apple trees bloom in different regions of Russia

Apple trees in bloom can brighten any garden, and this phenomenon is rightfully considered the most picturesque sight of the year. The blooming period for fruit trees generally depends on the local climate, tree variety, and age.

Flowering times in different regions

Factors that determine the date of flowering include growing conditions, such as:

• in the city the beginning is earlier than outside its limits;
• high in the mountains later than on the plain;
• in a sunny place earlier than in the shade;
• on the northern slope later than on the southern one.

The timing of bud break and flowering of apple crops is shown in the table:

At what age do apple trees begin to bloom?

Each variety enters flowering and fruiting at its own pace, typically only in the 5th or 7th year after planting. Dwarf varieties begin bearing fruit slightly earlier, after 3-4 years. Rootstock and cultivar characteristics are also important: some varieties begin bearing fruit as early as the 3rd year, even on vigorous rootstocks. Varieties noted for early fruiting include:

• Wellspur is a medium-sized apple tree that produces its first fruits in the 3rd year;
• Popular - the appearance of the first fruits is observed after 2 years, and a full harvest - in the 3rd year;
• Welsey – fruiting begins in the 4th year;
• Goldspur - fruits appear in the 3rd year, but become smaller under heavy load;
• Student - begins to produce abundant harvests after 5 years.

Fruiting in traditional tall varieties begins in the 6th to 8th year, while some of them enter this phase only after 10-12 years, for example, Sary-Sinap, Red Delicious, etc.

There are several ways to stimulate the growth of apple trees and thereby speed up the formation of the first harvest:

1. Spraying with special chemicals that stop the growth of branches in height, and at the same time stimulate their growth in width due to the formation of new shoots.
2. Application of physical factors.

Bending branches

This is one of the safest and simplest methods for accelerating apple tree growth and fruiting. Its key feature is increasing the angle of inclination. The technique involves the following steps:

• choosing a young branch that can bend without breaking;
• installing a spacer parallel to the branch, that is, creating a tilt mechanism;
• securing both ends with a rope.

Pinching

This technique is applicable exclusively to young seedlings during the first two years after planting. It involves pinching the tips of branches close to the trunk. As a result, all the apple tree's energy will be directed toward compacting the shoots rather than toward growth.

Banding

The advantage of this technology is that it affects both young branches and mature trees equally. It works by placing a ring on the branch. To do this, a rope-like loop is made from wire with a piece of fabric on the inside. Over the course of two months, the apple tree's energy will be directed toward compacting the unringed branches, which are receiving adequate nutrition. After this, the device is removed.

Flowering periodicity

Some varieties, developed by breeders quite a long time ago, bloom and bear fruit every other year, alternating flowering and abundant fruiting with complete rest.

Old varieties (Anise, Antonovka, Streifling (etc.) are characterized by an annual flowering period, but the number of flowers and fruits fluctuates depending on the year. To correct this problem, it's worth following a few care recommendations:

• timely pruning for the purpose of rejuvenation, which promotes significant growth of branches;
• annual fertilization with fertilizers applied in the required quantity;
• maintaining optimal soil moisture levels, especially in arid regions.

Activities during apple blossom season

During the flowering period, apple trees require special care to ensure a high-quality harvest. Apple trees react sharply to cold temperatures: at -2°C, their blossoms and fruit buds immediately die. Since late frosts are common during the flowering period, the following measures are recommended:

1. Delaying the onset of flowering during a prolonged spring to prevent buds from freezing. To do this, the trunk and surrounding area (up to 1.5 m) are covered with snow and then sprinkled with a layer of wood shavings, fertilizers (phosphorus, potassium, peat, etc.) manure).
2. Smoke generation. For this purpose, peat piles are formed at a rate of one mound with a diameter of 1.2 m per 5 apple trees.
3. Sprinkler irrigation, based on the principle of delaying bud formation through cooling, is used. Optimal conditions for this procedure include temperatures from 0 to -3°C, no wind, and 60% humidity.

Caring for an apple orchard during the flowering period includes several manipulations:

1. Treatment of buds with special agents: 3% solution copper sulfate, infusion of wormwood, chamomile, etc. The event is aimed at creating protection against harmful insects and fungal diseases (powdery mildew, scabies etc.).
2. Fertilization. For this purpose, poultry manure diluted with water in a ratio of 1 kg/10 l is used or mullein.

Proper care of flowering fruit crops will prevent the death of flowers and ovaries during unfavorable periods, and will also protect trees from pest infestations and various diseases.