Picking Time

In deciding which trees to plant you should consider when you would like to pick the fruit. It could be that you decide to plant a number of trees which could give you apples for picking from early in September to late in October. In the tree variety charts you will see a column indicating the normal picking times.

Picking part 1

Pears must be picked before they ripen usually while they are still green. If left to ripen on the tree pears will often over ripen and taste 'mealy' in the middle. To judge the ripeness for picking lift the fruit and gently twist the stalk. If ready the fruit will part easily. Pick selectively because the pears will be ripening at different times. Quinces are left to ripen on the tree before picking.

Depending on the variety Plums are picked between mid July and September. Leave until ripe for best flavour. If preserving fruits are best picked a little early.

Cherries are picked fully ripe from the tree and consumed as soon as possible. Picking times vary between mid July and early August.

Storage

Certain varieties of apples can be stored longer than others. We have given you the typical time that each apple variety can be kept providing they are kept in good condition.

The earlier ripening the fruit the shorter its length of storage. The earliest ripening apples will not keep at all and are best eaten soon after picking. The later picked apples will keep much longer, some well into the new year in good conditions. Bear this in mind when choosing your trees to spread there time of availability and consumption.

Apples are best stored in a dark, cool but frost-free place with some ventilation and humidity. Store different varieties separately and check regularly.

Storage - pears, etc

Pears are stored similarly but need to be inspected more regularly because as they ripen they are at their best for just a few days. As they turn slightly from green to yellow green, bring them into a warm room for a few days to ripen fully.

Quinces should be stored away from other fruits as they have a strong aroma.

Link back

Use the menu on the left, or, click here to go back. Or for further information select from the following topics:

Rootstocks : Information on selecting fruit tree rootstocks.

Pollination : Guidelines for successful pollination.