Apple fruit buds - photograph copyright RHS Fruit bud initiation in apple trees occurs generally from about June in the year before the fruit is produced. By November a plump, round bud will have formed which carries the flowers in April and May. The bud scales on fruit buds are typically downy, especially on apples, pears, peaches and nectarines. Fruit buds are found in the following situations:
1. On two-year-old weak shoots. Such shoots are invariably nearer the horizontal than vertical.
2. As short stubby spurs of between 1-10cm (0.5-4in) long on the older branches.
3. On the tips of one-year-old shoots produced characteristically by tip-bearing apples such as 'Irish Peach' and 'Worcester Pearmain'.
4. Occasionally, maiden fruit buds are formed along the current year's growth. This is quite common with 'Golden Delicious' and its sports.
fruit and leaf buds - photograph copyright RHS
Wood or growth buds (i.e. buds carrying leaves but no flowers) on the other hand are easily distinguished by being slender, pointed buds borne in a leaf axil. These buds are usually much smaller and more insignificant than fruit buds. In summer, fruit buds will generally be seen to be 'supported' by a surrounding cluster of leaves, perhaps the rosette of a spur, or the tip of a shoot.
