The traditional apple harvest season is often associated with the early weeks of autumn, but the window for picking can extend well past October. It is entirely possible to pick apples in November, depending on the orchard’s geographical location and the specific varieties being grown. Finding a late-season “U-Pick” operation hinges on environmental conditions and the grower’s selection of fruit.
Geographic and Climate Factors
The geographical location of an orchard is the primary determinant of whether the apple season stretches into November. Regions with milder autumns and a prolonged growing season naturally support later harvest dates than those in colder, northern climates. For instance, orchards located in areas like the Hudson Valley, New York, or parts of the Pacific Northwest have apples available for picking until mid-November.
A late-season harvest relies on consistent weather that avoids a premature, sustained hard freeze. The optimal development of color and flavor in apples requires cold nights in late September and October. This mild, extended autumn allows the fruit to remain on the tree, accumulating sugars and achieving peak ripeness, which is often gauged by the conversion of starch within the apple.
Selecting Late-Season Apple Varieties
November apple picking is feasible because certain cultivars are genetically programmed for a significantly longer maturation period. These apples are characterized by a dense flesh and thick skin, which allows them to resist the cooler temperatures of late autumn. Late-season varieties are particularly valued for their exceptional storage capabilities, often lasting well into the winter months.
Specific varieties that ripen late include Fuji, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and Arkansas Black, with harvest dates frequently reaching into late October and early November. The Pink Lady, for example, is one of the last to be picked, sometimes not until the middle of November. These apples possess natural antifreeze properties because their fruit tissues contain sugars that lower the freezing point of the fruit, allowing them to withstand light frosts. The Evercrisp apple, a cross between Fuji and Honeycrisp, is another firm, sweet, and crisp variety that is often ready for harvest in early November.
How Orchard Operations Conclude the Season
Even when apples remain on the tree, the risk of a severe freeze dictates the conclusion of the U-Pick season. A hard freeze, generally defined as temperatures of 28 degrees Fahrenheit or lower sustained for four hours, can cause serious damage to the fruit. The ice crystals that form inside the fruit cells can rupture them, leading to internal browning of the flesh once the apple thaws.
Growers must prioritize the commercial harvest of remaining apples before this severe weather event occurs to prevent the loss of fruit intended for long-term storage and processing. Once picked, frozen apples cannot be handled until they have fully thawed, as manipulation in a frozen state causes immediate and fatal bruising. Following the harvest, the focus shifts to preparing the trees for winter dormancy, which includes protecting the root systems and pruning the orchard, marking the end of public access for the season.