I noticed yesterday that my apple trees are growing and one even has flower buds that are about to open! I have a picture here: http://twitpic.com/7ri8qa This is in Portland, OR. We've had freezes most nights for the last week or two, as well.

The tree is a Roxbury Russet that I planted two years ago as a bare root. No fruit to date, but some nice growth. I had put some fruit tree fertilizer in earlier in the summer, but nothing in the winter.

Any thoughts on what to do? Should I just snip off the blossoms and hope for the best?

Thanks!
-mark-

First thought? Propagate it, patent it and sell it to Stark Brothers as a Winter Blooming Roxbury

Well, there are people around here better at this than me… but I’d say it simply put on a second or late burst of growth. Maybe it took the fertilizer that long to be taken up and go to work? It appears to be a “Tip bearer,” thus it’s terminal bud is attempting to do just that, bear.

Hummm, I wouldn’t worry, just enjoy it till we hit the teens or Portland’s Coho Wind-chill equivalent …but if such blooms were consistent, fruit or not – I’d buy one!

…now I suggest we sit back and wait for a real answer

I agree with Viron. Just leave them and enjoy the flower. This happens from time to time between September and now on my trees too, especially my McIntosh. It's cloudy for awhile and then it becomes sunny. The tree is faked out. The blossoms die and the year goes on.

It is surprising when it happens though.
John S
PDX OR

Huh. Well, it's an interesting thing... not what I would have expected! Maybe it was the few sunny days we've had recently that caused it, in spite of the nightly freezing temperatures. Anyway, thanks for the replies!

-mark-