Apples are ready Picking daily 9 to 5
Apples are ready Picking daily 9 to 5
Apple season guide
By the crew at Historic Weston Orchard & Vineyard · September 2026
Apple Season Cheat Sheet
Most people think of apple season as one thing: a few weeks in the fall when the orchard is “open.” It isn’t. It’s a run of short windows, one variety after another, and the apple you want decides the week you go.
Near Kansas City, apple picking season runs from mid-August through the end of October. At Historic Weston Orchard & Vineyard in Weston, Missouri, Gala and Honeycrisp come first in late August, most varieties are picking from mid-September into mid-October, and the late apples like Granny Smith, Pink Lady and Evercrisp carry the season to October 31.
Start
Mid-August
Gala is the first apple on the trees, with Honeycrisp right behind it.
Peak
Mid-Sept to mid-Oct
The most varieties picking at once: Jonathan, Early Fuji, Jonagold, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious and Empire, with the late apples starting in early October.
End
October 31
The last weeks belong to the late apples, including the tart pie apples and Pink Lady, which keeps for months.
Every window here is approximate. They shift a week or two with the weather, so if you’re driving out for one specific apple, call ahead at (816) 640-4013.
These windows come from our own orchard, and they’re the same ones on the ripening chart on our apple picking page.
Early season
Gala starts around mid-August and Honeycrisp around August 20. Both run to about the first of September. If Honeycrisp is the reason you’re coming, this is your window.
Early season
The last of the Gala and Honeycrisp go in the first days of the month. Jonathan and Early Fuji start around September 5.
Peak season
The orchard fills in. Jonathan and Early Fuji keep going, and Jonagold, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious and Empire all start around mid-month. Six varieties at once, which makes late September the easiest time to fill a bag with a mix.
Peak season
Jonathan and Early Fuji wrap up in the first days of October and Jonagold finishes around the 8th. Golden Delicious, Red Delicious and Empire run to about mid-month. The late apples arrive: Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Late Fuji and Ida Red, with Evercrisp starting around October 11.
Late season
The season’s last stretch is all late apples: Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Late Fuji, Ida Red and Evercrisp, through October 31.
The one everybody asks for
Earlier than most people expect. Here, Honeycrisp picks from about August 20 to the start of September, a short window at the very beginning of the season. By the time the leaves turn, it’s done. If you want it, come in late August.
Start with what you’re doing with the apples:
Want a mix? Late September and early October give you the most choice in one bag. In the fall, you can also pick apples and pumpkins in the same trip.
We’re open every day, 9am to 5pm, including Mondays. Hours and directions are on the plan your visit page.
Late September and early October: the most apples in one bag.
Mid-August. Gala is first, with Honeycrisp starting around August 20.
Mid-September to mid-October, when the most varieties are picking at once.
About August 20 to the first of September. It’s one of the earliest apples of the season.
October 31. The last weeks are Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Late Fuji, Ida Red and Evercrisp.
Pick the week, then pick the apple
Open every day, 9am to 5pm, mid-August through October 31.
