After dragging out for at least a couple of weeks, its safe to say we are now at the 'full bloom' stage for most apples.
NOT ALL but most!
Happily today I found this Busy Bumble Bee eagerly 'buzzing' from bloom to bloom gathering nectar, while carrying out the critical task of pollination
Below: See the pollen gathering on the Bumble Bee's legs
This year however. it has dragged on and although I think it's safe to say, "most apple blossom' is into bloom and only Cox and Bramley is still hanging about. Of course in days gone by when Cox and Bramley were the dominant varieties, full bloom came naturally about 7-10 days into May.
Setting a crop?
Achieving a crop, e.g. setting flowers into fruitlets is dependent on pollination AND fertilization
This must be one of the ' most drawn out' blossom periods for many years.
Most years if the bud movement is on the slow side, a hot spell will come across and the 'snoozing' blossom will erupt into a blaze of pink and white beauty. Just like last year!
This year however. it has dragged on and although I think it's safe to say, "most apple blossom' is into bloom and only Cox and Bramley is still hanging about. Of course in days gone by when Cox and Bramley were the dominant varieties, full bloom came naturally about 7-10 days into May.
Below: Family apple tree in my garden: Discovery, James Grieve & Red Devil
Below: left. Bladon Pippin tree in my garden and right. 'balloon stage pink bud changing into full bloom
Fertilzation
To achieve pollination and fertilization pollen must be passed from the pollen sacks to the style and grow down the pollen tube as quickly as possible. In warm weather this can happen in a matter of hours; in cold conditions it can take days.
If the pollen does not reach the ovary in time (approx 4 days) it is too late! The process is known as the Effective Pollination Period (EPP). The EPP varies by variety and Cox our national apple has a shorter EPP; no wonder it is difficult to achieve consistent heavy crops.
Let us hope the weather will be kind over the blossom and post blossom period. No frosts and warmer weather.
That is all for this week, except to recognise tomorrow will see the Crowning of a new Monarch
While The English Apple Man supports the Monarchy, 'one appreciates' that not everyone does and not all will be glued to the TV tomorrow.
Either way, have a great Bank Holiday Weekend
Take care
The English Apple Man