Fall is Apple Picking Season in Virginia

Apple on an apple treePhoto bySokmean NouonUnsplash

Virginia is the sixth-largest apple-producing state in the country because of its warm climate and rich, deep soil nurtured by consistent rainfall.

Apple Season in Virginia

The apple-picking season in Virginia begins and goes through early November, with the majority harvested in September, October, and early November.

Virginia growers produce an average of 5-6 billion bushels of apples annually. Virginia apples are grown in over 100 commercial orchards, totaling more than 16,000 acres of land.

Picking an applePhoto byGeorgia de LotzonUnsplash

Pick-Your-Own Farms

Pick-Your-Own Farms can be found all across the state. Virginia has many family-run businesses that welcome visitors to pick their own produce all year.

Many Virginia orchard owners allow visitors to pick apples fresh off their trees. They can also sample fresh and juicy Virginia-grown fruit and homemade treats like apple cider donuts, and apple butter.

Most apple trees are grown in the Shenandoah Valley through the Roanoke Valley, the rich countryside of Albermarle and Rappahannock counties, and the southwest counties of Patrick and Carroll.

Apple varieties in Virginia

Virginia's climate is ideal for a wide range of apple varieties.

• Albemarle Pippin
• Fuji
• Gala
• Ginger Gold
• Golden Delicious
• Granny Smith
• Jonathan
• Newtown Pippin
• Red Delicious
• Rome
• Stayman
• Winesap
• York