An apple tree not blooming can be a puzzling and perplexing situation for many home gardeners. Contraction words and prepositions can be used to explain why an apple tree might not bloom. Firstly, environmental conditions, as well as genetics and nutrition, influence the blooming of an apple tree. Severe cold, for example, can cause enough stress for a variety of environmental influences, like frost damage and climate maladies, to render blooming impossible. Secondly, apple trees require a certain amount of heat units to be accumulated in order to initiate the blooming process, which can be affected by decreasing daylight and the chilly night temperatures. Thirdly, a malady from both environment factors and genetics that can prevent an apple tree from blooming is termed ‘apple scab’. It is a fungus that destroys branches and early flower buds, and it is often worsened by wet and humid conditions. Lastly, an apple tree’s flowering potential can be directly linked to the nutritional content of its soil. If the tree’s roots are deprived of vital nutrients, such as nitrogen and potassium, flowering can either slow down or cease.
Environmental Conditions
Extremes of cold, snow, hail and wind can cause a great deal of environmental stress on a vigorous apple tree, and may make blooming impossible for more than one season. Sheltering the tree is an important method for protecting it from the harsh climatic conditions, such as installing wind fencing, avoiding planting too close to buildings, and keeping the mulch ring intact. While good nutrition helps trees thrive under cold stress, young trees tend to be the most vulnerable to the elements, so proper maintenance and appropriate protection from the cold weather should be given special attention. Finally, in the unlikely event of a full-on cold shock, the tree may need extra pruning and protection for the following season.
Accumulation of Heat Units
The accumulation of heat units is a vital factor in the flowering of apple trees. The beauty of using heat units as a measure of when an apple tree will bloom is that the rate of warmth accumulation is greatly affected by the presence of sunlight. As you know, the lower the temperature, the fewer light-caused reactions take place within the plant. Therefore, if the temperature does not rise above a certain level, flower bud differentiation and growth will be greatly affected and could cause the tree not to bloom.
Apple Scab
Apple scab is a disease that affects apple trees because of the fungal species called Venturia inaequalis, and it thrives in wet and humid conditions. Firstly, foliage and flowers are the first visible signs of apple scab, which occurs in the early spring when buds open and rain is frequent. Secondly, the fungus can dehydrate and cause brown, brittle leaves and premature fruit drop due to the air being unable to enter the foliage and circulate around the tree. Finally, it is not only a cosmetic issue, but a serious issue for the health of the tree as the fungus merges into new tissue and the bark of the tree, causing considerable damage.
Nutrition of Soil
The root system of an apple tree is the foundation from which its fruits and flowers will come, and nutrition plays an integral role in sustaining and developing the tree’s vitality. Firstly, if the tree is placed in soil that is deficient in nutrients, then energy will be diverted from flowering, as the tree must use energy to maintain its own health, as opposed to wasting it on blooming. Secondly, some nutrient deficiencies can be easily remedied. The addition of organic matter, such as compost, sand, and manure, can provide tremendous help when it comes to supplying the right ingredients for apple trees to thrive. Finally, if a soil analysis shows deficiencies, add the right amounts of fertilizer, either organically or chemically, following the instructions on the label; this could be enough to give an apple tree the necessary boost to begin blooming again.
Pruning an Apple Tree
Pruning a tree is a necessary technique when it comes to blooming apples, as properly pruned apple trees are often more vigorous and can better cope with environmental stress. Firstly, pruning an apple tree helps it to develop a well-defined structure and maximizes blooming, fruiting, and general benefit. Its aim is to remove dead, diseased and damaged branches, selective thinning of vigorous limbs, and shaping limbs to ensure an optimal fruit production. Secondly, pruning can also be done to keep the growing space free from weeds and fungus, by removing any branches that are rubbing together and any awkward forking limbs. Finally, pruning an apple tree must be done with care and attention to structure, as incorrect pruning may irreversibly damage the tree and hinder growth potential.
Dormancy of the Tree
The dormancy period of an apple tree is essential to its functioning, as it helps the tree to ‘reset’ so that it can bloom again. Firstly, if the tree has not yet gone into its dormant state, it should be pruned, watered, and weeded thoroughly. Secondly, there is no need to regularly set the growth rate of the tree by pruning; this will not make it bloom any sooner. Finally, dormancy should be the time to provide extra nutrition for the tree to fuel its continued growth. Healthy and consistent fertilization, both throughout the growing season and during dormancy, will ensure an abundance of blooms.
