Getting started
How to recognise each growth stage
Plain descriptions of what each stage looks like on the tree, so you can confirm yours.
Applefy asks you to confirm your orchard's stage from a photo. Here is what to look for.
- Delayed dormancy: buds are swollen but no green is showing.
- Green tip: the first green leaf tissue appears at the bud tip.
- Tight cluster: leaves are opening and the flower buds sit tightly together.
- Pink bud: the flower buds separate and show pink.
- Flowering: blossoms are open and bees are working.
- Petal fall: most petals have dropped; tiny fruit starts to form.
- Fruit let: fruit is set and small (about 10 to 12 mm is when thinning is done).
- Fruit development I to IV: steady fruit growth through summer.
- Pre-harvest: the last weeks before picking.
Trees in one orchard can differ slightly. Judge by the majority of your trees, and confirm again a week later because stages move fast in spring.
General guidance. Always read product labels and consult an agronomist for problems specific to your orchard.
