Big Spring Payoff - Fruit Thinning

,Thinning Fruit will Result in Larger Fruit

If you want larger fruit you will want to thin immature fruit  in the early spring. Apple, Asian and European pear, apricot, peach, plum, kiwifruit, table olives and persimmon all benefit from fruit thinning.

Most home growers don't thin enough, it generally takes a couple of seasons to thin fruit properly. Thin out the smallest and damaged fruit by spacing fruit every 4-8 inches. It is recommended to leave 1 fruit per spur.  Always select the largest fruit to leave.

Fruit thinning will not only  pay off with larger mature fruit, it is healthier for the tree.  It will prevent limb breakage, as maturing fruit becomes heavy. Thinning will also benefit next year's bloom.  Additional information found at Backyard Orchard.

 

 

 

 

 

Source: California Master Gardener Handbook Second Edition