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Flowering period vs Flowering group

Question:

Would you please tell me what the difference is between 'flowering period' and 'flowering group' in the 'characteristics' section of the apple varieties listings? Is 'flowering group' just a numerical version of the 'flowering period' or does it refer to something different altogether? Thank you for answering what is probably a dim question!

Asked by: Rhiannon 15-Jul-2015

Answer:

It is not a dim question, it is actually a very good one! You are correct to a large extent, the flowering group is just a numerical version of flowering period. Some authorities use one and some the other.

In either case the result is an approximate guide to when a fruit tree might be in blossom, and is primarily of significance for cross-pollination purposes.

There are more details in our guide to pollination of fruit trees.

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