July is an important period for building apple quality. Fruit is growing intensively, while its firmness, resistance to damage and later storage performance depend, among other factors, on an adequate calcium supply.
Calcium fertilisation of apple trees should be continued regularly before harvest. Calcium deficiencies cannot be effectively corrected once the fruit is already in cold storage. What happens in the orchard during fruit development will influence apple condition after harvest.
Why Do Apples Need Calcium?
Calcium is one of the main elements involved in building cell walls. It stabilises pectins, strengthens plant tissues and helps maintain the proper structure of the fruit.
When apples receive enough calcium, they may be:
- firmer,
- less susceptible to mechanical damage,
- more suitable for long-term storage,
- less prone to selected physiological disorders.
The challenge is that calcium moves through the plant much more slowly than nitrogen, potassium or magnesium. Fruit receives it mainly with water transported through the xylem. During periods of high temperatures, drought or strong leaf growth, calcium transport to the fruit may therefore be limited.
Calcium Deficiency and Bitter Pit
One of the best-known consequences of insufficient calcium supply in apples is bitter pit. Symptoms may appear while the fruit is still on the tree or only later during storage.
Calcium deficiency may also contribute to:
- reduced flesh firmness,
- faster tissue breakdown,
- poorer storage quality,
- greater susceptibility to damage,
- lower commercial value of the crop.
A high calcium content in the soil does not automatically mean that enough of it will reach the fruit. This is why regular foliar application is an important part of a calcium fertilisation programme.
Why Is July an Important Time?
In July, fruit continues to gain weight rapidly. At the same time, its demand for nutrients responsible for tissue structure and durability increases.
If high temperatures, soil drought or strong vegetative growth occur during this period, calcium transport to the fruit may weaken. Leaves compete with apples for water and nutrients, so the fruit requires additional support.
Regular calcium applications during this stage help maintain a steady supply until harvest.
VitaFer Ca in Apple Fertilisation
In orchard nutrition programmes, it is worth considering VitaFer Ca. The product contains 20.25% nutritional calcium and amino acids that support nutrient uptake and transport within the plant.
VitaFer Ca can support:
- cell wall development,
- maintenance of fruit firmness,
- stronger fruit tissues,
- reduction of the risk of disorders associated with calcium deficiency,
- preparation of apples for storage.
The amino acids help improve nutrient uptake through leaves and the fruit surface, which is especially important during periods of weather-related stress.
How Often Should Calcium Be Applied in the Orchard?
During intensive fruit growth, calcium treatments are usually recommended every 10–14 days.
The final frequency should be adjusted to:
- the variety,
- fruit size and growth rate,
- weather conditions,
- crop load,
- soil conditions,
- the planned storage period.
Varieties susceptible to bitter pit and fruit intended for long-term storage usually require a more consistent calcium programme.
Apple Quality Begins in the Orchard
Apple firmness and storage life are not created at harvest. They are built gradually throughout the fruit development period.
Regular calcium fertilisation of apple trees can help improve crop quality and reduce the risk of problems that only become visible after fruit is placed in cold storage.
Check VitaFer Ca and choose a calcium fertilisation programme suited to the variety, orchard condition and planned storage period.
