Bloom begins: 2013 New York apple crop is on its way from blossom to awesome

Fishers, N.Y. – New York’s apple bloom is back.

Apple orchards across the state are currently at or near full bloom, the New York Apple Association (NYAA) reports. In the days and weeks ahead, more than 11.3 million apple trees will progress from bud to bloom to fruit.

A week of sunny, 70-degree days spurred buds to break into bloom, beginning first in the Hudson Valley and then central and western New York and marching northward toward Lake Champlain over the next week or so. A blanket of white and pink blossoms will soon cover all 55,000 acres of New York orchards. The weather is also providing ideal flying conditions for the bees the industry relies on to pollinate its crops.

“Blossom peepers, you’re going to want to get out to your local orchard now to enjoy our most spectacular views,” said NYAA President Jim Allen. “It’s a photographers’ moment not to be missed.”

Growers are celebrating arrival of this year’s bloom, after early-season freezes last year decimated much of the state’s crop in the bud. Bud counts this year are high, and trees are in good health after a relatively mild winter.

“We are having a textbook season so far, knock on apple wood,” said NYAA’s Allen. “The trees appear to be glad to be back at work, and we are on our way from blossom to awesome.”

New Yorkers can visit www.nyapplecountry.com to find an orchard near you.