24 BULLETIN 1406, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



climatic conditions. There appears to be a fairly definite length of 

 time required to bring the different varieties to prime picking condi- 

 tion. Baldwin and Delicious required 135 to 145 days, Jonathan 

 and Grimes Golden 140 to 150 days, and Winesap and Ben Davis 

 160 to 170 days to attain their best condition. 



Length of the growing season is a potent factor in variety distri- 

 bution. With many varieties, the time of blooming will largely 

 determine the time the fruit will reach picking maturity. 



The adherence of the fruit to the tree, the ground color of the 

 fruit, and the firmness of the flesh are all important considerations 

 in determining when to pick the fruit. 



