There are several models used to predict McIntosh harvest dates, however, the more recent model out of Cornell University seems most applicable to Massachusetts orchards. Therefore, you need to back-up several weeks to anticipate the start of the McIntosh harvest, depending on how long it takes to get your CA fruit picked. Note that the model does not take into account the effect of growing season weather beyond the 30 days after bloom, which we all know has some impact on fruit maturity. Clearly, we have had below average mid-summer temperatures. But bloom was early, so all signs point to a 'normal ' or 'average' harvest window for 2000.
Fruit continue to grow at a moderate rate.
Fruit size in monitored blocks of McIntosh, Delicious and Gala is 2.47 in., 2.22 in. and 2.33 in., respectively, which is slightly smaller than fruit size at the same time last year. We judge that the stage of maturity of apples is similar to historical norms. Therefore, growers should plan to apply ReTain on McIntosh and Gala between August 10 and 15. Summer pruning before application is recommended on blocks destined to receive ReTain, to improve spray coverage. Don't Give Up On Calcium July's wet weather has kept many fruit trees growing quite vigorously.