Flower initiation occurs early in the summer of the season prior to flowering and, during that season, many of the flower parts are formed. However, the final stages, which involve the formation of the pollen sacs and the ovules, do not occur until shortly before bloom in the subsequent spring. High quality flowers are essential if fruit set is to be achieved in the often less than ideal weather conditions at flowering time in UK orchards. Flower quality influences whether fruits are retained on trees throughout the season and also their size and quality at harvest.
Adequate floral abundance and good flower quality are essential considerations for both mature and young, immature trees. Flowering and fruiting on young apple trees in the second and third year is particularly vital if the investment in the orchard is to be economically viable.