Apples grow well in New Zealand's climate. The key apple growing regions include Hawke's Bay, Nelson and Central Otago (where this image was taken). Image: Public Domain
Where are New Zealand's apples and pears grown?
86% of New Zealand's apples and pears are grown in Hawke's Bay and Nelson, followed by Central Otago and South Canterbury.
Where do apples grow in Nelson/Tasman?
Apples have been planted in the Nelson/ Tasman region since the arrival of the first European settlers, who found that apple trees flourished in the temperate climate. William Cullen, a farmer from Somersetshire, planted 14 acres of apple trees in the lower Queen Street area in 1845.
How do you grow apple trees in New Zealand?
Add a layer of citrus and fruit mix to plant into. In New Zealand winter is the optimum time to plant apple trees. Feed your apples in spring and summer to encourage maximum flowering and fruiting. Mulch and water well, particularly over the warmer months. Follow our full guide below to a bumper crop of homegrown apples.
What fruit trees grow in New Zealand?
Today, almost 80% of apples grown in New Zealand are Royal Gala or Braeburn – varieties that were first bred in New Zealand. In the past, a wider range of varieties were grown. New Zealand grows several European pear varieties, and Asian (nashi) pears.
Why are apples grown in Hawkes Bay?
A moderate climate Hawke's Bay winters are mild and the spring season brings plentiful rain to prepare our orchards for the long hot and dry summer days. These seasonal changes give us the perfect conditions for the final growing stages of our apples.
Where do New Zealand apples come from?
Today, almost 80% of apples grown in New Zealand are Royal Gala or Braeburn – varieties that were first bred in New Zealand. In the past, a wider range of varieties were grown. New Zealand grows several European pear varieties, and Asian (nashi) pears.
Where are apples most commonly grown?
Washington State currently produces over half the Nation's domestically grown apples and has been the leading apple-growing State since the early 1920s. In 2009, Washington State produced 5.4 billion pounds of apples. New York and Michigan produced over 1 billion pounds each.
What kind of apples come from New Zealand?
Breeze Apples Breeze is an apple variety hailing from New Zealand. These apples have a pink-red blush with a yellow background. The texture of the white flesh is dense, juicy, and very crisp, while the flavors are sweet and very aromatic.
What is the best apple in the world?
10 Best Rated Apples in the WorldApple. Braeburn. NEW ZEALAND. ... McIntosh Apples. Dundela. Canada. ... Jonathan Apples. New York. United States of America. ... Granny Smith. New South Wales. Australia. ... Fuji Apples. Aomori Prefecture. Japan. ... Jabłka grójeckie. Grójec County. Poland. ... Honeycrisp Apples. Minnesota. ... Mila Zagoras Piliou. Zagora.More items...•
What is the most popular apple in NZ?
Braeburn was first grown commercially in Braeburn Orchard, its namesake. Picked in late March and April, it's now one of New Zealand's biggest export varieties and natural variations of it include Aurora, Eve and Mahana Red. A bright green apple with crisp white tangy flesh.
Which country has the best apple?
ChinaThis key economic indicator for the Apples sector has been recently updated. In 2019, Apples Production in China rose 8.1% from a year earlier. Since 2014 Turkey Apples Production was up 7.9% year on year at 3,618,752 Metric Tons....Apples Production - Source FAO.95 Countries#1 ChinaMetric Tons42,426,578.00Last2019YoY+8.1 %5‑years CAGR+0.7 %49 more columns
What country has the most apples?
World Apple Production by CountryWorldwide 87,236,221 tonnes of apple is produced per year.China is the largest apple producer in the world with 42,426,578 tonnes production per year.United States of America comes second with 4,997,680 tonnes yearly production.More items...
Which country eats the most apples?
ChinaBased on a comparison of 157 countries in 2019, China ranked the highest in apple consumption with 32,051 kt followed by USA and Turkey. On the other end of the scale was Haiti with 1.00 kt, Laos with 1.00 kt and East Timor with 1.00 kt.
What are the crunchiest apples NZ?
Yummy Fruit Company have developed a crunchy SweeTango apple. Paul Paynter tries to get the most out of the crunch. The crunchiest apple in the world has been found, and it was grown in Hawke's Bay. The record-setting apple, a SweeTango, was grown by The Yummy Fruit Company based in Havelock North.
How many apple varieties are there in NZ?
There are over 8000 apple varieties, and we've contributed a few.
What are Ballarat apples?
A heritage Apple which bears large apples that are ripe towards the end of April. The fruit are green with a red blush and the cream flesh is lovely and juicy. A great apple for cooking - it stores very well too.
When did apples come to New Zealand?
1819Apples and pears were first introduced into New Zealand in 1819 by the Rev. Samuel Marsden, who planted trees, brought from New South Wales, on the Church Missionary Society's station established earlier that year at Kerikeri, Bay of Islands.
How do you grow an apple tree NZ?
Soak your tree in a bucket of Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic before planting and allow to drain. This will help prevent transplant shock and give your apple a healthy start. Add a layer of Tui Citrus & Fruit Mix to the planting area. Dig a hole, approximately twice the depth and width of the root ball of your plant.
Where do apple trees come from?
central AsiaApples are not native to North America. They originated in Kazakhstan, in central Asia east of the Caspian Sea. The capital of Kazakhstan, Alma Ata, means “full of apples.” By 1500 BC apple seeds had been carried throughout Europe.
What is a heritage apple?
Heritage Apples are the apples of our Grandparents and Great-grandparents. Their uses were varied--for drying, frying, fresh eating,Halloween treats, baking, brandy, cider (hard and sweet), vinegar, livestock feed, and much more.
Where is Honeycrisp grown?
Advertisement. ‘Honeycrisp’ is a managed variety and only grown on the South Island of New Zealand. (Photo: Christina Herrick) 2. HONEYCRISP A MANAGED VARIETY. One thing that struck me was how ‘Honeycrisp’ found its way to New Zealand.
Why did we visit only one Kiwi orchard?
While in New Zealand we visited just one kiwi orchard because of concern over Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), which is spread by wind and rain as well as by footwear and orchard tools and vehicles. The bacteria was first discovered in 2010 and hit golden kiwis very hard.
What are windrows called in New Zealand?
While we’d pass the occasional kiwi or apple orchard in plain sight, for the most part, orchards were indistinguishable. This is, in part, due to windrows. But in New Zealand, they’re called “shelterbelts. ”.
How much money did the Kiwi industry lose?
It is estimated the industry lost more than $800 million, and the exact source of the outbreak is still unclear, although a group of growers took the Ministry for Primary Industries to court over the alleged importation of Chinese kiwi pollen and plant material.
Does New Zealand have sunshine?
It’s no secret New Zealand (NZ) growers experience abundant sunshine, and their trees show it. The amount of sunlight is less than the total hours in places like California in the states, but it’s the sunlight coupled with abundant rainfall that make for very vigorous NZ growth.
Do orchards protect trees from frost?
What’s interesting is that, yes, they’re used to help protect trees from prevailing winds, but there is also a boost to the microclimate of the orchard, with protection from frost due to higher temperatures, higher humidity, and even an improvement in pollination and fruit set.
Is New Zealand labor efficient?
MOVING TO LABOR SAVINGS. Many growers in New Zealand are moving toward more labor-efficient production, whether it ’s harvest platforms or more consistent canopies, as it is done in the states. What is striking is how many growers have opted to use multi-row sprayers.
Early days
Apples and pears (known as pipfruit) have been grown in New Zealand since Europeans first settled in the country. In 1819 the missionary Samuel Marsden planted the first trees – one of which is still growing at Kerikeri.
Areas
Nelson and Hawke’s Bay are the main areas where apples are grown. There are also orchards in Central Otago and Waikato.
Climate
Apple and pear trees are deciduous – they lose their leaves and become dormant in winter. Once the new leaves and flowers start to grow in spring, they can be damaged by frost. Hail can also damage fruit.
Soils
Each fruit crop removes a large amount of nutrients from the soil, so the soils in orchards need to be fertile, or have fertiliser added.
Varieties
Today, almost 80% of apples grown in New Zealand are Royal Gala or Braeburn – varieties that were first bred in New Zealand. In the past, a wider range of varieties were grown.
Diseases
Fireblight is a serious bacterial disease of pipfruit, and was brought into New Zealand in the early 20th century. Because Australia has no fireblight, it has banned imports of New Zealand apples and pears.
Pests
Leafroller caterpillars, codling moths, woolly apple aphids, leaf curling midges and red spider mites are all pests of pipfruit. They are controlled by spraying, or using other insects that prey on them.
Availability
The following varieties of NZ apples are harvested between February and May:
Storage and Handling
Store in the refrigerator. Handle all fresh produce with care and wash before eating.
History
It is believed that silk traders first brought the apple to ancient Rome from Kazakhstan where the trees were cultivated and prized for their fruit. Romans took the cultivated fruit with them to England when they conquered the country. Apple-growing then became common in England and many other parts of Europe.
Where do apples grow in New Zealand?
Apples grow well in New Zealand's climate. The key apple growing regions include Hawke's Bay, Nelson and Central Otago (where this image was taken). Image: Public Domain. Apples grow well in areas that have cold winters and warm, dry summers. Image: Plant and Food Research.
What is the best way to grow apples in New Zealand?
Water. While climate is important for good apple growing, water and soil are also important. New Zealand has reliable water resources to irrigate orchards. In spring, growers can also use sprinklers to fight frosts.
What was the main pest control for apple trees?
This ladybird proved so effective at hunting down the pest that it has not been a problem since. In 1921 a parasitic wasp was introduced to control woolly apple aphid, a pest of apple trees. Today this wasp is the main control method for this aphid pest. Scientists have developed many methods to control pests.
What is the best time to grow apples?
warm spring time. good sunshine hours. little rain (dry) during the growing season. Warm summers allow the fruit to ripen well. Dry summers mean the fruit isn’t as prone to disease as in other apple growing countries. Cold winters give the trees a period of dormancy which allows the trees to build up energy.
Why are apples called pipfruit?
Exports to the UK began in the 1890s. The term ‘pipfruit’ refers to apples and pears, because of the small hard seeds (pips) in the centre of the fruit. New Zealand’s unique climate and versatile soils make us one of the best countries in the world for growing apples. We have:
Where do Royal Gala apples grow?
Braeburn and Jazz™ apples flourish in sunny Nelson. Royal Gala also grow well in Central Otago. Irrigation, crisp frosty mornings in winter and hot dry summers help create sweet, crisp apples.
Where are apples grown?
Apples have been grown in New Zealand since Europeans first settled in the country. The missionary Samuel Marsden introduced the first apple trees in 1819. Pipfruit growers were quick to realise the export potential. The first export apples were sent from Christchurch to Chile in 1888. Exports to the UK began in the 1890s.
Where are apple trees grown?
Hard Graft for Early Apple Growers. Apples have been planted in the Nelson/ Tasman region since the arrival of the first European settlers, who found that apple trees flourished in the temperate climate. William Cullen, a farmer from Somersetshire, planted 14 acres of apple trees in the lower Queen Street area in 1845.
Who planted the first apple trees in the Tasman?
William Cullen, a farmer from Somersetshire, planted 14 acres of apple trees in the lower Queen Street area in 1845. John Sheat took over the orchard in 1849 and profitably shipped apples to the West Coast goldfields and across the Tasman. 1 Apples (569 bushels) first featured as cargo at Port Nelson in 1855.
When was the first trial shipment of apples?
The first trial shipment, of several hundred cases of apples, was sent to the London market in 1907, laying the foundations of Tasman's pipfruit industry. 5. Apple loading at Port Nelson. The Nelson Provincial Museum, F N Jones Collection: ½ 27. Click image to enlarge.
Which country produces the most apples?
Varieties that are bred for growing conditions in New Zealand usually produce the most fruit. The World Apple Review 2018 showed: NZ had the highest apple production in the world at 61 tonnes per hectare, followed by South Africa with 41.3 tonnes per hectare, and. the international average was 23.4 tonnes per hectare.
What is the levy on apples and pears in New Zealand?
Horticulture New Zealand collects a compulsory levy of $0.14 per $100 of sales. NZ Apples and Pears collects a levy of $0.125 per kilogram of apples or pears sold. Horticulture New Zealand membership levy.
What type of soil do apples need?
Apples and pears need: flat land under 3° in slope (although land from 4° to 7° can be used under a more restricted type of growing system and machinery access) fairly deep and free draining soils that can withstand heavy traffic like tractors and sprayers, and. good shelter, including hail nets.
How much does it cost to build a pipfruit orchard?
Some tree varieties need to be ordered 2 or 3 years ahead of planting. It costs around $100,000 per hectare to develop a basic pipfruit orchard at 3.5m row spacing and 1.5m tree spacing.
Where are apple orchards in New Zealand?
There are several regions with apple orchards in New Zealand. Around 60% are in the Hawke’s Bay region near Napier and Hastings , and around 26% of orchards are in the Nelson Tasman region in Riwaka, Motueka, Moutere and Richmond. A complete list of regions with the percentage of New Zealand’s total apple crop include: Hawke’s Bay (60%)
How long does it take to pick apples in New Zealand?
With New Zealand’s fertile lands, apple orchards are abundant! Every harvest season, farms need extra workers to pick crops for about 10 weeks before the end of the season . Apple picking requires no experience, no huge job application process, just people that are willing to work hard for the season.
How many bags can you pick apples off?
Each picker will be equipped with a special apple picking bag that, once full, you drop off in the bin and start picking again. Bins can usually hold between 17-25 picking bags.
When does apple picking season end in New Zealand?
The apple picking season in New Zealand usually lasts for 10-11 weeks. Expect the season to end around the end of April/early May. It will end around mid-May in the Otago region. For more fruit picking seasons and locations in New Zealand, check out our guide to the Picking Seasons in New Zealand. © pixabay.
Do you get paid holiday pay in New Zealand?
Even as a temporary worker you are entitled to holiday pay in New Zealand. Your holiday pay is 8% of what you earn. Most often, you will be paid your holiday pay at the end of your employment, however, some employers will pay your holiday pay per week. Your holiday pay should be separate and easily identifiable on your payslip. Find out more in New Zealand Working Holiday Employment Rights.
Is it illegal to pay a minimum wage in New Zealand?
Your employer can pay you higher than the highest rate stated on the employment agreement, but it is illegal for them to pay you under minimum wage. The minimum wage in New Zealand is currently NZ$20 per hour (2021).
How to grow an apple tree in New Zealand?
Prepare your soil with organic matter like compost and sheep pellets. Add a layer of citrus and fruit mix to plant into. In New Zealand winter is the optimum time to plant apple trees. Feed your apples in spring and summer to encourage maximum flowering and fruiting.
How to grow an apple?
5 Steps to Apple Planting Success 1 Pick an apple variety based on your garden and cooking needs and choose an open, sunny spot sheltered from strong winds. Some apple varieties are self-fertile, but many require a pollinator apple. 2 Prepare your soil with organic matter like compost and sheep pellets. 3 Add a layer of citrus and fruit mix to plant into. In New Zealand winter is the optimum time to plant apple trees. 4 Feed your apples in spring and summer to encourage maximum flowering and fruiting. 5 Mulch and water well, particularly over the warmer months.
How to grow an apple tree in a container?
Planting in pots and containers. Soak your tree in a bucket of Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic before planting and allow to drain. This will help prevent transplant shock and give your apple a healthy start. Half fill your container with Tui Citrus & Fruit Mix.
How to keep apple transplants from shock?
This will help prevent transplant shock and give your apple a healthy start. Add a layer of Tui Citrus & Fruit Mix to the planting area. Dig a hole, approximately twice the depth and width of the root ball of your plant.
What fertilizer should I use for apple trees?
Use Tui NovaTec Premium fertiliser to feed your apple tree planted in the garden or in pots and containers in spring and summer. Tui NovaTec Premium fertiliser is an all-purpose compound fertiliser so your apple tree receives a balance and even spread of all essential nutrients for maximum fruiting and flowering.
How to tell if an apple tree is ready to harvest?
Their taste is at its best when left to ripen on the tree. Once they start to drop to the ground it' s a good sign they are ready for harvest. Well watered, well nourished apple trees will have a better chance of keeping insect pests and diseases at bay.When pruning be sure to remove all diseased, damaged or dead wood.
When should I plant a Tui Citrus?
If planting in pots and containers, fill with Tui Citrus & Fruit Mix. The best times to plant are early in the morning or late in the day, so the plants aren’t exposed to the hot sun straight away. Always water plants well before and after planting.
Water and fruit size
The orchard was once a cattle farm, with clay soil throughout and a sandy swamp in the back end where drainage issues have cropped up, Drummond said. So, soil moisture monitoring became imperative.
Bonus credit for benchmarking
Knowledge is power, and improved knowledge and performance come from benchmarking — comparing products and horticultural methods with those of the most successful companies in your field to try to improve your own performance.
About the Author: Shannon Dininny
Shannon Dininny is the managing editor of Good Fruit Grower. She writes articles for the print magazine and website and plans and prepares editorial content. -- Follow the author: Office (509) 853-3522 Cell: (509) 834-5321 -- email
Early Days
Areas
- Nelson and Hawke’s Bay are the main areas where apples are grown. There are also orchards in Central Otago and Waikato.
Climate
- Apple and pear trees are deciduous – they lose their leaves and become dormant in winter. Once the new leaves and flowers start to grow in spring, they can be damaged by frost. Hail can also damage fruit.
Soils
- Each fruit crop removes a large amount of nutrients from the soil, so the soils in orchards need to be fertile, or have fertiliser added.
Varieties
- Today, almost 80% of apples grown in New Zealand are Royal Gala or Braeburn – varieties that were first bred in New Zealand. In the past, a wider range of varieties were grown. New Zealand grows several European pear varieties, and Asian (nashi) pears.
Diseases
- Fireblight is a serious bacterial disease of pipfruit, and was brought into New Zealand in the early 20th century. Because Australia has no fireblight, it has banned imports of New Zealand apples and pears. Black spot and powdery mildew are common fungal diseases of pipfruit.
Pests
- Leafroller caterpillars, codling moths, woolly apple aphids, leaf curling midges and red spider mites are all pests of pipfruit. They are controlled by spraying, or using other insects that prey on them.
Harvesting and Storage
- Fruit should be harvested at the right time to taste good and last well. Apples and pears are picked by hand, from February to April. They are kept in cool stores, with a low temperature and a controlled mix of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Marketing
- The Apple and Pear Marketing Board was set up in 1948 to market the fruit locally and overseas. Today there are more than 90 exporters. Apples and pears are sold in Britain, Europe, the US and South-East Asia. About 60% of New Zealand apples and pears are exported, 12% are eaten in New Zealand, and the rest are processed, mainly into juice.