What Apples are Good to Pick in October?

One of the most popular fruits is the apple. With varying apple harvest times, 7,500 varieties are grown worldwide. Can you pick apples in October? Apple harvest dates are from late August to the fall. Red Delicious and other later harvest apples are often harvested until early October, but they are not the only late-season apple trees. Discover how to pick tasty late-season apples in October by reading on.

Harvest Times for Apples

When apples are harvested is not a precise science. It goes without saying that they differ based on the type and weather. For instance, a recent unusually cool spring in many apple-producing regions prolonged dormancy and delayed harvest.

You must first identify the variety and then the approximate harvest date if you’re wondering when to pick your own apples. This list will assist you in determining when to harvest, though the exact date may differ slightly from year to year.

What Apples to Pick in October?

There are other apples that can be picked in October besides Red Delicious. The Cosmic Crisp, a red apple that ripens in mid-October and keeps well in the refrigerator, is another popular red apple for eating or baking.

In contrast to Red Delicious, Golden Delicious is a medium-sized, yellow apple with a heavy weight. Harvested in early October, Golden Delicious are juicy and sweet, but their shelf life is short.

Idared is a big, sour red apple with a crisp inside and a nice scent. Idared apples are perfect for making apple butter because they ripen in mid-October and store well.

Jonagold is perfect for tart and sweet desserts. This orange/yellow apple ripens in mid-October and is firm and juicy. This apple variety stores well when picked when it’s time.

Sir Prize is a big, juicy, greenish-yellow apple that smells amazing. Sir Prize is best used as a dessert apple and is resistant to disease. Mid-October is when it is ready to be harvested.

Other Apple Varieties Available in October

Harvestable in late September or early October, Haralson is one of the earliest late-season apples. Haralson can be kept in the fridge for up to five months and is firm and tart, making it good for both fresh and cooked food.

Frostbite has a hint of tang and tastes sweet and savory. This bronzed red beauty, which was first introduced in 2006, is perfect for salads or fruit trays because it browns slowly when cut. Mid-October is when frostbite reaches maturity.

The intriguing red-striped apple known as Regent is edible both raw and cooked. Introduced in 1964, regent ripens in mid-October and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to five months. It is prone to apple scab, but it is fairly vigorous.

In 1943, Fireside/Connell Red was released. Harvestable in mid-October, this vigorous weeping apple has a sweet flavor that makes it perfect for eating raw or cooked, or in salad.

A crisp, firm yellow apple with a sweet flavor that borders on exotic, keepsake can be eaten raw or cooked. Keepsake apples can be kept for up to six months after they ripen in mid-October.

Prairie Spy is perfect for baking because of its firm flesh, which can be stored for a long time. Introduced in 1940, Prairie Spy is a hardy tree that bears fruit in late October.

Rome Beauty is a great apple for baking or cooking. Harvested in late October, this large red apple has a mild flavor.

In October, you can also pick Honeycrisp, Empire, Liberty, Blushing Golden, and Mutsu apples.