Ground color is the color of an apple's skin, disregarding any areas that have become red. In red fruited cultivars, observe the portion of the apple that faces the interior of the tree. When the ground color of red cultivars changes from leaf green to yellowish green or creamy, the apples are ready to harvest. In yellow cultivars, the ground colors becomes golden. Mature apples with a yellowish-green background color are suitable for storage.
Most apple cultivars have brown seeds when ready for harvest.
However, seeds may become brown several weeks before proper picking maturity. When harvesting, do not remove the stems from apples that will be stored. Sample the fruit to determine the proper time to harvest. It should be fully colored and flavorful as quality will not improve after harvesting. Pick them fully ripe to use for jams or if they are to be stewed.