If you have a Cortland apple tree, you know the wait for those perfect fruits can feel long. You’re probably asking, when are Cortland apples ready to pick? Getting the timing right is the secret to crisp, juicy, and flavorful apples that store well. This guide will walk you through the simple signs of perfect ripeness.
Picking too early means sour, hard apples. Picking too late leads to soft, mealy fruit. By following a few easy tests, you can harvest your Cortlands at their peak. Let’s look at the clear signals your tree gives you.
When Are Cortland Apples Ready To Pick
Cortland apples are typically ready for harvest in late September to mid-October. This depends heavily on your growing zone and the weather each year. The date on the calendar is just a starting point, not a guarantee.
Your tree’s location and the summer’s heat play huge roles. A cooler summer will delay ripening. A warmer one might speed it up. That’s why learning the physical signs is so much more reliable than any date.
The Key Signs of Ripeness
Look for these four indicators together. Using just one method can be misleading. When you see them all, your apples are ready.
1. Ground Color Change
This is the most important visual clue. Gently lift an apple and look at its base color, not the red blush. A ripe Cortland’s skin changes from a green to a creamy yellow or pale green. The bright red overcolor will also deepen.
- If the base is still distinctly green, wait longer.
- A full, creamy yellow means ripeness is near or here.
2. Easy Stem Separation
A ripe apple will detach from the tree willingly. Cup the fruit in your hand, lift it slightly, and give it a gentle twist. If the stem snaps easily from the spur (the small branch it’s attached to), it’s ready. Don’t yank it hard.
- If you have to pull forcefully, the apple isn’t ripe.
- The stem should seperate cleanly without tearing the spur.
3. Seed Color
Cut open a sample apple from the outside of the tree, where fruit gets the most sun. Check the seeds inside the core. Immature apples have white or pale seeds. Ripe Cortland apples will have dark brown, almost black, seeds.
- This is a great confirmatory test.
- If most seeds are brown, you’re in the harvest window.
4. The Taste and Texture Test
This is the most enjoyable check. Pick a likely candidate and take a bite. A ripe Cortland will be juicy, crisp, and have a balanced sweet-tart flavor. The flesh should be white and firm, not hard or starchy.
If it tastes starchy or sour, give the rest more time. The flavor really develops in the final days on the tree.
How to Perform the Tilt Test
Many gardeners swear by this simple method. It works best when combined with the other signs.
- Hold an apple horizontally, parallel to the ground.
- Gently tilt it to about a 45-degree angle.
- If the apple snaps off its spur with just the weight of the fruit and your slight tilt, it’s ripe.
- If it holds on firmly, it needs more time.
The Best Time of Day to Harvest
Always pick apples on a dry day. Moisture can promote spoilage during storage. The ideal time is in the cool of the morning, after the dew has evaporated but before the afternoon heat.
Apples are firmer and cooler then. Avoid picking in the rain or right after irrigation. Wet apples are much more prone to bruising and fungal issues.
Step-by-Step Harvesting Technique
Proper handling prevents damage to both the fruit and the tree. Damaged apples won’t store well.
- Use your whole hand. Don’t pick with just your fingertips, which can cause bruises.
- Cupping the apple gently, lift and twist with a rolling motion.
- Place apples carefully into your harvesting bucket or bag. Don’t drop or throw them.
- Use a padded container to minimize bumps and bruises during transport.
Post-Harvest Handling and Storage
Cortlands are known for their excellent storage life if handled correctly. Their white flesh resists browning longer than many varieties.
- Sort immediately. Separate any bruised, cut, or diseased apples. Use these first for eating or cooking.
- Do not wash apples before storage. The natural bloom (waxy coating) helps preserve them.
- Store apples in a cool, humid environment. Ideal conditions are around 32–35°F with 90% humidity.
- Use perforated plastic bags in a refrigerator crisper drawer or a dedicated root cellar.
- Keep them away from strong-smelling foods, as apples can absorb odors.
Common Problems and Solutions
Sometimes, things don’t go perfectly. Here’s what to watch for.
Apples Dropping Early
If many apples drop before they seem ripe, it could be due to stress. Common causes include drought, extreme heat, or poor tree health. Ensure consistent watering, especially in late summer.
A few “windfalls” are normal, but a lot is a sign the tree needs help.
Birds or Wildlife Eating Fruit
If pests are taking bites, you may need to harvest a bit early. Use bird netting as the fruit colors up if this is a recurring issue. Check your apples frequently as ripeness approaches.
Uneven Ripening on the Same Tree
Apples on the sunny south side ripen first. Those inside the canopy or on the north side lag behind. Plan to harvest in 2-3 passes over a week or so, taking the ripest each time.
FAQs About Picking Cortland Apples
How long after picking do Cortlands continue to ripen?
Apples do not get sweeter after they are picked. They may soften, but their sugar content is set at harvest. That’s why picking at peak ripeness on the tree is so crucial.
Can I pick them early and let them ripen indoors?
Unlike some fruit, apples will not truly ripen off the tree. They will become softer, often mealy, without developing the ideal sweet-tart flavor. It’s best to wait.
What if my apples are still small when they seem ripe?
Small fruit size is usually a result of too many apples on the tree (over-cropping) or insufficient water and nutrients during the growing season. Thinning young fruit in early summer can help improve size for next year.
My Cortlands are still green in October, is that normal?
In cooler climates or with a lack of summer sun, the color development can be slower. Rely on the stem separation, seed color, and taste tests more than the blush. The base color should still shift from green to yellow.
How do I know if an apple is overripe on the tree?
Overripe apples become very easy to pull, the flesh may feel slightly soft, and the flavor can be bland or overly sweet without its characteristic tang. They may also develop water core, a glassy appearance in the flesh.
Preparing for Next Year’s Crop
Good harvest starts with good care. After picking, give your tree some attention to ensure a healthy crop next year.
- Clean up all fallen leaves and fruit from around the base to discourage pests and disease.
- Water the tree deeply before the ground freezes if you have a dry autumn.
- Schedule dormant pruning for late winter to encourage good air circulation and sunlight penetration.
Knowing exactly when are Cortland apples ready to pick gives you the best possible fruit. By watching the color, testing the stem, checking the seeds, and of course tasting, you’ll become an expert. With proper picking and storage, you can enjoy your homegrown Cortlands for months to come. There’s nothing quite like the crisp, tangy bite of an apple you picked at just the right moment.