As we move into mid April apple blossom is appearing in many orchards. Some modern varieties blossom earlier than the main varieties of the past. For example Gala is earlier than Cox and Braeburn much earlier!
Recently (5th April) I visited my son who has an espalier 'orchard' in his garden. Gala - Braeburn - Scrumptious - Bladon Pippin growing happily along a fence and enjoying the sunshine and protection from cold winds.
Below: Canker branch will be removed
To maintain control of tree vigour, we carry out the 'winter pruning' in late spring. And follow this up with a 'summer pruning' session in late June/early July after the longest day. This controls the vigour and encourages fruit bud initiation. Sometimes it is necessary to bring in a replacement branch. (see below left)
This year the Gala tree has good blossom, but Braeburn, Scrumptious and Bladon Pipping are 'shy of blossom. The probable cause is the heavy crop on them in 2025 (which was thinned, but probably not enough) and not picked early enough (away on holiday? ) leaving trees stressed in the Autumn influencing fruit bud initiation!
This is the classic 'Garden Orchard Scenario' - allowing a large crop one year followed by a small (or no ) crop the next years. Commercial growers prune to retain sufficient bud wood, thin in early summer (June) to balance crop load and often 'quality thin' in August to remove any unwanted fruit (sub standard fruit)
Below: Left to Right: Gala - Braeburn - Scrumptious - Bladon Pippin April 2026
Below: left to right. June 2025. Gala - Braeburn - Scrumptious - Bladon Pippin
Below: left to right. June 2025. Gala - Braeburn - Scrumptious - Bladon Pippin
Below: Left. Braeburn June 2025 and Right. Scrumptious June 2025
Blossom time 2026
My thanks to BAPL Orchard Watch for pictures of blossom arriving sent in by UK Growers
That is all for this week
Take care
The English Apple Man