In cooperation with the Henderson County Master Pomology Program, we initiated an effort to monitor apple fruit maturity in commercial orchards in Henderson County, NC. The goal of this program is to provide timely updates regarding fruit maturity of several apple cultivars in the region. Data will be presented weekly to commercial apple growers via web-based updates to partly aid in harvest management decisions. Please note that the data presented is limited to the specific orchard block that we used for sampling. Do not assume that fruit at your location are at the same stage of maturity. To be clear, there is no substitute for regular monitoring of fruit quality parameters at your own operation.

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Weekly Update (08.13.2025)

Frequent rainfall continues to complicate harvest in the region.  Measurable rain was observed on 9 of the past 14 days in Edneyville, NC with a rainfall total exceeding 4 inches during this interval. Despite these challenges, early apple harvest is in full swing for many.

Honeycrisp (Royal Red Honeycrisp ®) were evaluated as part of this report for the first time this season, as a typical first harvest date for this cultivar typically occurs closer to the end of August. Fruit maturity is more advanced than anticipated (10+ days earlier than "normal"). Starch pattern index rating averaged 5.5 and fruit firmness was 15.2 lbs with some variability within tree and from tree to tree (Table 1, Figure 1). The 1st harvest in this orchard was well-timed and occurred yesterday.

Gala fruit in Edneyville, NC were treated with 1 pouch of ReTain® ~ two weeks ago to delay maturation.  Starch pattern index rating averaged 4.7 this week up 52% from the previous week along with a 31% increase in marketable blush (Table 2, Figure 2).

Gala fruit in Mills River, NC at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension center were evaluated the last 2 weeks and were not treated with any plant growth regulators. This weeks starch pattern index rating of 5.7 as well as other fruit quality parameters would suggest these fruit are mature (some are overmature) and ready for harvest for fresh consumption (Table 3, Figure 3). 

Gala fruit treated with ReTain® in Edneyville, NC compared to untreated Gala fruit in Mills River, NC delayed maturity in the last two weeks altering multiple indicators of maturity (Table 2, 4).  Currently, all fruit quality parameters except firmness are indicative of imminent maturity in Edneyville, NC and full maturation in Mills River, NC (Table 2, 3 and 4). 

If of interest, please see our previous posts for more detailed information on PGRs to manage fruit maturity. Specifically:

• Using PGRs to Manage Apple Preharvest Drop, Fruit Maturity, and Harvest Timing
• Apple Harvest Management Considerations: Special Focus on Gala

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Honeycrisp (Royal Red Honeycrisp®) 

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‘Simmons’ (Buckeye® Gala)

‘Simmons’ (Buckeye® Gala)

(lbs.)
Soluble Solids(%)
Starch pattern(1 to 8 scale)
Fruit Weight(g)
Fruit Diameter(inches)
Marketable Blush(%)

August 12 16.5 12.1 5.7 157  2.76 75.86
August 5 17.1 10.6 4.9 168 2.82 61.83
July 30 20.0 10.1 2.2 na na na

‘Simmons’ (Buckeye® Gala)

(lbs.)
Soluble Solids(%)
Starch pattern(1 to 8 scale)
Fruit Weight(g)
Fruit Diameter(inches)

Marketable Blush

(%)

Edneyville, NC  Yes 18.6 12.0 4.7 174 2.85 67.04
Mills River, NC  No 16.5 12.1 5.7 157 2.76 75.86

When should I harvest?

Optimal harvest timing is dictated by multiple factors, especially the intended market. While one size does not fit all, please see this resource from Michigan State University for some general guidelines.

Acknowledgements

We are very grateful for the cooperation of the Pat Lancaster and the team at Grandad’s Apples for hosting this project. Thank you for your generous access to your farm and fruit!

This work would not be possible without my excellent colleague, co-author, and technician, Tatiana Zuber.

We sincerely appreciate the great work of Marvin Owings, Ken Olson, Ivy Olson, Don Schwartz, Gary Medere, John Masotti, Susan Hadden, Adam Ferrell, Bill Metts, and Leigh Siracusano, who make up the Henderson County Master Pomology Program. This dedicated team of volunteers are assisting with data collection and inspired the initiation of this pilot program.