²ÝÝ®´«Ã½

Late April frost could challenge apple pickers in Virginia this fall

This video is no longer available.

Autumn apple picking this year might be more challenging than usual, due to a late frost this past April.

“All of the growers in this area suffered from that frost, and as a result, they have a much lighter crop of apples than they normally would,” said Cheryll Green, who works at the family-owned in Markham, Virginia.

The unexpected frost in the last week of April damaged apple crops in Fauquier and Loudoun counties.

“It happens when the apple trees are in bloom; it kills the blossom — the part that becomes the apple,” Green said.

While supply was down for apples that are picked and eaten earlier in the season, late-season varieties, including Fujis, should be plentiful.

“We’re seeing that with more Granny Smiths on the trees, as a result of them coming on maybe a little later,” Green said. “From now on through November, they probably will be good apples to pick.”

The orchard is open daily, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Apples are $20 for a half bushel, cash or checks only. The farm market also offers freshly made apple cider doughnuts and caramel corn.

“Families have a limited number of things where every member of the family will have a good time, from a toddler up through a teenager,” she said. “This is one of those things.”

Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

© 2025 ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

Neal Augenstein

Neal Augenstein has been a general assignment reporter with ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ since 1997. He says he looks forward to coming to work every day, even though that means waking up at 3:30 a.m.

Federal ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ Network Logo
Log in to your ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½ account for notifications and alerts customized for you.