MSU Extension Apples

The information below includes predicted dates for peak harvest. Actual harvest dates may begin before and extend after these dates, and it is likely to vary based on specific location and conditions. This information is intended to be used by commercial growers to start planning harvest management. Interpretation is necessary for marketing purposes and fruit may be available in retail locations at different times.

The predicted harvest dates for all Michigan State University Enviroweather Stations are now available online and can be determined using the Apple Maturity Model on the Enviroweather Website. These models for McIntosh, Jonathan and Red Delicious calculate predict harvest dates based on full bloom date and the temperatures in the 30 days after bloom.

Most varieties are predicted to harvest 10 or more days earlier than normal due to warmer than normal conditions during early spring pushing bloom earlier and warm temperatures for the month following bloom. Harvest dates may need to be adjusted as we get closer to harvest.

Crop load is variable across the southwest region due to cool conditions during bloom. Gala and Jonagold crops tend to be lower than normal. Honeycrisp crop potentials are fair to good, depending on the site. Blocks with light crop loads will mature 3 or 4 days sooner than the predicted harvest dates whereas heavy crop loads will mature approximately 1 week later than the predicted dates.

Conditions during August and September will also affect harvest dates. If hot stressful weather occurs in August or September, apple maturity will be advanced, especially in early to mid-ripening cultivars.

Stop-drop materials. ReTain application should be applied 21 to 28 DBH (days before harvest), depending on the variety and season. Harvista can be applied 3 to 7 DBH. Use Table 3, 2024 Predicted Harvest Dates for Other Varieties, to time ReTain applications and adjust for varieties and locations.

The tables below list the normal and predicted harvest dates for varieties across the state. Table 1 lists the predicted harvest dates for locations across the state of Michigan for 2024. Table 2 lists this year’s predictions compared to normal and last year. Table 3 lists the normal harvest dates for other varieties for the southwest Michigan area with focus on Berrien County. This year's predicted dates for other non- modeled varieties are an estimate based on the McIntosh, Jonathan and Red Delicious predicted dates and historical experience in the area.

*Predicted harvest dates for 2024 indicated by model, not by actual local observation of bloom dates.

* - is days earlier, + is days later

*Normal harvest dates in this table were determined from average observations by industry members in the region.