MSU Extension Apples

The information below includes predicted dates for peak harvest. Actual harvest dates may begin before and extend after these dates, and it is likely to vary based on specific location and conditions. This information is intended to be used by commercial growers to start planning harvest management. Interpretation is necessary for marketing purposes and fruit may be available in retail locations at different times.

The predicted harvest dates for all Michigan State University Enviroweather Stations are now available online and can be determined using the Apple Maturity Model on the Enviroweather Website. These models for McIntosh, Jonathan, and Red Delicious calculate predicted harvest dates based on full bloom date and the temperatures in the 30 days after bloom.

Most varieties appear to be slightly ahead of normal harvest dates. Harvest dates may need to be adjusted as we get closer to harvest.

Crop load is good in most locations. In general, return bloom was good in most varieties and locations. Gala crop load is moderate to heavy across the region. Crop load for varieties like Honeycrisp, EverCrisp, and Fuji is somewhat variable across the state and may be light in some orchards. Blocks with light crop loads will mature 3 or 4 days sooner than the predicted harvest dates while heavy crop loads will mature up to a week later than the predicted dates. Regional differences in predicted peak harvest dates across Michigan are very evident this year, and there is clear separation for varieties by region.

Conditions during August and September will also affect harvest dates. If hot stressful weather occurs in August or September, apple maturity will be advanced, especially in early to mid-ripening cultivars.

Stop-drop materials. Use Table 3, 2025 Predicted Harvest Dates for other Varieties, to time material applications such as ReTain, Harvista, and NAA applications, and adjust for varieties and locations. For example, ReTain application can be applied 28 or 21 days before harvest (DBH). Harvista can be applied 3 to 7 DBH. The predicted harvest dates are estimates and will need to be adjusted for orchard locations.

The tables below list the normal and predicted harvest dates for varieties across the state. Table 1 lists the predicted harvest dates for locations across the state of Michigan for 2025. Table 2 lists this year’s predictions compared to normal. Table 3 lists the predicted harvest dates for 2025 for other varieties for the Grand Rapids region, centered on Sparta in Kent County. This year's predicted dates for other non-modeled varieties are a rough estimate based on the McIntosh, Jonathan, and Red Delicious predicted dates and historical experience in the area.

Table 1. 2025 Full bloom dates and predicted peak harvest dates across Michigan.

*Bloom dates were indicated by the Enviroweather model and confirmed by actual observation.
**MSU EW indicates MSU Enviroweather as dates used in the table were provided by MSU Enviroweather at regional stations.

Table 2. 2025 predicted peak harvest dates compared to normal and last year.

* - is days earlier, + is days later than normal

Table 3. 2025 Predicted harvest date for the Grand Rapids region, based on Enviroweather weather data.

*Dates in this table were determined from average observations by industry members in the region.