PA Tree Fruit Maturity Report Guides Apple Harvest

By Blake Jackson

Pennsylvania State Extension has released its weekly tree fruit maturity report, offering growers timely insights to support harvest decisions.

Tracking maturity stages is especially important for apples intended for mid- to long-term storage, where factors such as sugar levels, color, starch breakdown, and firmness must be carefully balanced.

Adams County is experiencing rising temperatures, with storms expected midweek bringing about 0.65 inches of rainfall. Afterward, cooler nights around 50ºF and daytime highs in the 70s should enhance fruit color development.

While rain will aid fruit sizing, it may also contribute to cracking in blocks that are overripe or lightly cropped. Overall, the past three weeks of cooler weather have led to excellent coloring, particularly in Honeycrisp.

Adams County

Golden Delicious apples are mature and ready for immediate harvest, especially for long-term storage, with high sugar levels (13.2 ºBx) and starch index values near 3.1. Red Delicious (Super Chief/Sandidge cv.) is slightly behind but showing excellent red color (91.3%).

Depending on storage needs, growers may choose to harvest now for controlled atmosphere (CA) storage or wait one to two weeks for short-term storage. Honeycrisp samples collected are already beyond optimal maturity and are best suited for immediate direct sales.

Berks County

Gala apples are past maturity with softening fruit and should be harvested promptly to avoid rain-related cracking. Golden Delicious is approaching maturity, with sugars at 11.8 ºBx and starch values still developing.

Red Delicious is progressing well with solid firmness (18.8 lb) and good coloration, expected to reach maturity in the coming weeks.

Centre County

Blondee and Gala (Brookfield) are both mature and should be harvested this week. Ginger Gold is also nearing maturity, showing improved blush and declining firmness.

Honeycrisp (Royal Red) continues to sweeten and color but is softening quickly, requiring close monitoring.

You can access the complete report here: https://extension.psu.edu/2025-pennsylvania-tree-fruit-maturity-report-september-2

Photo Credit: istock-rixipix