No apples this year...

[Sam16]

I'm in Western IL and these trees 3 springs ago. They were about 4 ft that spring. Last year maybe 6 foot and we had a few apples. I picked them off so the tree would concentrate on roots. This year 2 of the trees are over 8 foot tall, but ZERO apples. I didnt expect for these to really be a draw for whitetails this year, but should I be worried that there were no fruit?? I figured we would get a dozen or so on each tree. Take a look...

Golden Delicious




I forget what species this one is but it's been a bit slower to get started.

 

[Turkey Creek]

IF they had blossoms and or fruit last year they likely got nipped by a late frost this year. Some varieties can be biannual but generally not unless the tree has a substantial crop the previous year. Clear the vegetation away from your trees for a few feet they will appreciate it.

 

[wklman]

Looks like those limbs could be tied down next spring so they can become more fruiting instead of vegetative as well.

 

[dogdoc]

I had tons of blooms on apples and pears and lost everyone to a late freeze. Just part of dealing with fruit trees. That's why persimmons will alway be my favorite

 

[Seabee]

I had tons of blooms on apples and pears and lost everyone to a late freeze. Just part of dealing with fruit trees. That's why persimmons will alway be my favorite

Are persimmons such a late bloomer that they are not affected by frost? I have been searching for some persimmon trees, next year I plan on planting a few to finish off my orchard.

 

[dogdoc]

Are persimmons such a late bloomer that they are not affected by frost? I have been searching for some persimmon trees, next year I plan on planting a few to finish off my orchard.

Very late bloomer. Never lost a persimmon to a late frost. Heck the trees don't even start to come out of dormancy till mid to late April.

 

[Sam16]

Would persimmons do ok in Western IL? Aren't they generally found farther south?

 

[dogdoc]

Would persimmons do ok in Western IL? Aren't they generally found farther south?

I don't really know the northern range of the native persimmon.

 

[CuivreDog]

Would persimmons do ok in Western IL? Aren't they generally found farther south?

They are native all over east central Missouri so I don't think the jump across the river would prevent their growth.

 

[badgerfowl]

Do you know what rootstock they are on? No apples in year three isn't any cause for concern. Those are still pretty small trees, if the rootstock is close to standard. Like others mentioned late frost got a lot of apples this year.

 

[Sam16]

Thanks guys. Badger no I do not know. Im not overly concerned but I was confused as to why it produced last year and none this year. Frost explains it. I may try to sprinkle in some persimmon into my orchard in the spring. Thanks guys!

 

[Maya]

Sam, do you know what rootstocks are they were grafted to? Depending on the rootstock trees can take up to 10 years to fruit. Dwarf trees can put out apples generally in 1-3 years, semi dwarf in 3-6 years and standard 8-10. Some will vary slightly by variety.

Also the more you train your branches to about a 60 degree angle the sooner they will fruit. Generally you want branches starting out close to a 90 degree angle from the central leader and going out from there at about 60 degrees. This will give a strong limb, that can handle a greater fruit load and also get them fruiting a little sooner. The more upward the branch the more the growth hormone goes up to the tip and triggers more growth, and less it will fruit. Also by training branches properly, you get better light and airflow throughout the tree. Sunlight is what helps to form fruit buds and airflow will cut down on disease.

As TC pointed out, especially in young trees a weed free ground underneath the trees will also help the trees grow faster and reach a fruiting stage quicker. I've seen studies that show that you can get up to 30% more growth early on by keeping it clean under the trees.

These are some nicely shaped Honeycrisp still dormant so you can see how branches should be shaped.....

 

[Sam16]

Thanks Maya! I will definitely start trying to tie down some of the branches and clean up around the bases. Hopefully that helps and gets them going next year

 

[badgerfowl]

I've had great growth on my crabs I planted this spring with keeping the growth down under the trees. That hasn't always happened in the past. Good rain isn't hurting anything either but most are pushing well branched 6 foot tall starting from 36" whips.

 

[Maya]

Thanks Maya! I will definitely start trying to tie down some of the branches and clean up around the bases. Hopefully that helps and gets them going next year

Sam keep in mind you are developing fruit buds this year, for next. It may be late now, but I'd still get them down asap. Trust me, do these couple steps and you will get the fruit you desire. Good luck.

This isn't a great pic, but the Galarina apples behind the doe are only on their 3rd leaf and have about 5-10 apples each. They are a minimum of 12' tall.

 

[badgerfowl]

What rootstock maya?

 

[Maya]

B118 Badgerfowl.

 

[Goldentriangle]

You will have no problems with persimmons in western Illinois. Here is a pic of my mother tree which is located right outside Quincy il. Get ahold of me if you ever want to trade some scions.

 

[Sam16]

Thanks for the advice guys/gals! I got out and started training the couple trees... Did I do good?

 

[Sam16]

Well... the deer had a field day on the branches I tried to train. They were sticking outside of the cage and stripped clean. Oh well, I think the tree will still benefit long term.