Hedge apples, also referred to as Osage oranges, are an interesting addition to many a garden. Although the fruit that the tree produces is inedible, the trees are surprisingly common and can be found in the region of the United States stretching from Texas to the Great Lakes. As one might expect, there is a season during which these hedge apples fall from the tree, and understanding the time that this happens can help gardeners to plan for this period of time.
In general, hedge apples ripen and begin to fall from the tree anywhere from late September to early October, with the exact timing being determined by several factors. The health of the tree, the species of the tree, and the local climate will all influence how and when these fruits are released. Depending on the year, the season might come earlier or later, so keeping an eye on the tree is essential in order to be able to harvest the fruits.
Once the hedge apples have fallen from the tree, it is important to take action quickly in order to harvest them. Although they are inedible, they can still be used in a variety of ways, including as a natural pest repellent and even decorations in the garden. If left too long on the ground, the apples will rot and can not be used, meaning that harvesting them as soon as possible is essential.
When harvesting hedge apples, it is important to take into account the condition that the fruit is in. If moving the apples causes the fruit to become damaged, then they will no longer be usable and will need to be disposed of. It is wise to handle them with care in order to make sure that the most from the harvest can be extracted.
Finally, it is important for gardeners to remember that the season for hedge apples only lasts for a limited amount of time. While some apples may fall earlier than others due to factors such as climate and the health of the tree, the season overall should start roughly from the middle of September and last until the first frosts appear in autumn. This means that it is wise for gardeners to be prepared to harvest the fruits at this time.
Effect of Temperature on Hedge Apples
It has long been understood that climate and temperature has an effect on the time that hedge apples fall from the tree. Higher temperatures can cause the hedge apples to ripen quicker, while lower temperatures will allow the season to last a bit longer. If a garden experiences a particularly hot or dry summer, then it is likely that the season will start sooner, while a cooler summer will cause the harvest to take a bit longer.
Additionally, temperatures lower than a certain threshold can cause the hedge apples to freeze on the tree, even if they have already ripened. This will make them unedible, and it is important to consider this when planting the trees in certain locations. Taking into account the local climate when deciding where to put the tree will help protect against frozen apples and ensure that the season occurs when it should.
When temperatures drop too far, the hedge apples can rot on the tree, meaning that it is important for gardeners to consider this when looking for a suitable location for the tree. In cold climates, it may be a better idea to take a more sheltered spot, as this will give the tree some protection from both the wind and the cold.
Finally, it is important to keep in mind that, although temperatures have an effect on when hedge apples ripen and fall, climate and weather can also affect the harvest. In areas prone to heavy rains or high winds, the trees may be less likely to bear fruit and the season may not have many apples to harvest.
Effect of Nutrition on Hedge Apples
In addition to temperature, a hedge apple’s season can also be affected by the nutrients available to the tree. As with most plants, Osage oranges need certain minerals in order to grow and develop correctly, and if these are not available from the soil then the tree will struggle to produce fruit. Therefore, it is important for gardeners to consider how much nutrition the tree is receiving, and adjust the fertilizer and soil accordingly.
A tree deprived of nutrition may have some hedge apples that are relatively small, or may even have none at all. In such cases, it is important to feed the tree with compost or other fertilizers in order to ensure that it is given the minerals it needs. This will ensure that it produces a fruitful season when the time comes.
Unfortunately, over-fertilization can be just as detrimental as under-fertilization, meaning that it is important to keep the amount of fertilizer given to the tree in check. Too much can cause the tree to produce more blooms than necessary, leading to a reduced season of hedge apples. This can be avoided by carefully monitoring the amount of fertilizer and making sure that it does not exceed the tree’s needs.
Finally, if the soil is very nutrient-poor, it may be necessary to amend it with additional fertilizer or even to repot the tree in order to ensure that it has the best chance of producing fruit. Gardeners should ensure that they assess the soil regularly in order to ensure that it is meeting the needs of the tree, and adjust the fertilization schedule accordingly.
Preserving Hedge Apples
Once they have been harvested, hedge apples will not last indefinitely and will eventually rot if not preserved. Thankfully, there are a few common methods used to help preserve the fruits, meaning that they can be kept for longer periods of time.
One popular option is to freeze them. This will prevent them from rotting and can keep them for many months. As with any preserved food item, it is important to make sure the hedge apples are properly sealed in airtight bags or containers in order to protect them from moisture and oxidation.
Another option is to dry them. This can be done simply by leaving them out in the sun, or even on a radiator to speed up the process. The hedge apples will shrink as the moisture leaves them, making them much easier to store. Dried hedge apples can generally be kept for well over a year, depending on the environment in which they are kept.
A final option is to pickle them. This will preserve the fruits and also allow them to be used in various dishes or recipes. Pickling is a relatively simple process and can be done at home without too much effort. Pickled hedge apples can be kept for a few months, although they should be inspected regularly to make sure they are not spoiling.
It is important to remember that all of these methods of preserving hedge apples will have some effect on the taste and texture of the fruits. This should be taken into account when deciding which method to use.
Uses of Hedge Apples
In addition to the most common use of hedge apples as a natural pest repellent, the fruits can also be put to a variety of different uses. They can be ground up and used as an organic fertilizer, made into dyes for fabrics and even used as an ingredient in meals.
Ground up hedge apples can be used to help neutralize acidic soils and can also be used to increase the water retention capacity of the soil. This makes them useful for keeping certain plants and flowers healthy, and is an effective way to add nutrients to the soil.
The hedge apples can also be used to make dyes for fabric, which can be used to add color to various items. The colors that are produced are usually bright, and vary depending on the type of hedge apple used and the method of preparation.
Finally, the fruits can also be used as an ingredient in meals. As they have a bitter taste, they can be used to add complexity and depth of flavor to various dishes. In fact, they are even used as an ingredient in some types of chocolate, as well as being added to salads and other savory dishes.
Care of Hedge Apple Trees
As previously mentioned, hedge apple trees require certain nutrients in order to produce their fruit, so it is important for gardeners to take the necessary steps in order to keep the tree healthy. This means ensuring that the tree has enough light, water, and fertilizer for the entire season.
The tree should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods, as too little water can cause the hedge apples to drop off prematurely. Trees planted in areas with poor sunlight should also be pruned during the winter months in order to allow more of the sun’s rays to reach the leaves and branches. Pruning should, however, be done with care, as over-pruning can lead to the tree producing fewer leaves and blooms.
Creating a fertilizer schedule is another important task for gardeners in order to ensure that their hedge apple tree is receiving the nutrients it needs to produce a good season. An appropriate mix of organic compost and other store-bought fertilizers should be used to make sure that the tree has the minerals it requires, while not providing too much.
Finally, it is important to take action when it comes to pests. Common hedge apple pests include stink bugs and aphids, both of which can damage the tree or the fruits. Natural repellents or insecticides may be necessary in such cases in order to keep the tree safe and ensure a good harvest.
