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fruit trees

Aug 26 and my apple tree is blooming.

S Smithsson

pollinator

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posted 3 weeks ago

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Its been a hard year in northern NM but it just got even weirder.. my apple tree is blooming.

I sm thinking of removing the blooms so the tree doesnt put evergy into making apples.

Thoughts or suggestions?

Sandy

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Zone 6b, dry, high desert in New Mexico 7500' elevation

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Timothy Norton

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Location: Upstate New York, Zone 5b, 43 inch Avg. Rainfall

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That is incredible, I have only heard of it before but never have known anyone to have experienced it. How neat! The term I have heard is "rogue bloom" and its a confused response to environmental factors.

I don't have enough knowledge for a plan of action but I hope someone with better sense turns up.

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Anne Miller

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Location: USDA Zone 8a

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This probably has to do with a weather event that makes the tree think it is spring.

Like Timothy, I have no experience with this though it seems to me it would be better for the tree to use its energy on root and branch growth.

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greg mosser

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i think the word is ‘rogue’.

three of my blueberry bushes did a late-ish bloom this year (i think in early july? there’s been a lot going on). i’ve eaten ripe berries off one of them.

Alder Burns

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Location: southern Illinois, USA

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I've seen this happen on multiple sites with various species of plants. Often an unusually hot and/or dry summer will trigger it, or else severe insect damage. Especially if the plant is partially or completely defoliated by the stress of it. Then, when more moderate conditions return, the tree "thinks" it's spring and blooms! I wouldn't worry about it too much, especially if the plant is established and has been there at least a few years. I would pinch off any fruit that tries to form, since it will be spoiled by freezing anyway.

Joao Winckler

master pollinator

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posted 2 weeks ago

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Had this happen to a plum once after a really dry August, absolutely bizarre to see blossom in late summer. Alder's point about pinching the fruit makes sense so the tree isn't wasting energy going into winter. Fingers crossed it bounces back fine next spring.

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Annie Collins

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posted 2 weeks ago

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August 30th and just noticed that our plum tree is blooming.

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