Apple Harvest

Harvest time can be another useful factor for identifying apples.  This criteria is categorized as "Early", "Mid," "Mid to Late" and "Late."  Exact timing of harvest will depend on location in Montana but generally "Early" apples are harvested in August, "Mid" apples in September and "Late" apples in late October.  The exact timing of a tree's harvest will depend on spring and summer temperatures influenced by elevation and a site's microclimate. 

The identification photos used in this key, like the one shown below, include the location where apples were harvested and the date when apples were picked.  In addition the last apple sample on the right has been treated with iodine to indicate fruit maturity.  Fruit stained black or gray, as shown, are less ripe than fruit exhibiting only slight graying or none at all.  In addition, dark brown apple seeds also indicate fruit is mature vs pale, white or partially brown seeds.  For more on testing the maturity of your apples visit Apple Cultivar Maturity at WARC Fall 2019.  Due to the nature of fall weather in Montana many late season apples for this guide have been collected prior to ripening out of necessity.