Bill, yes it has been unusually cool and I have noticed this tendency seems to coincide with colder weather. We had a hot spell, to which I relate the red leaves in the first episode turning green upon reaching full size, between these two cold spells. Also, this redding tendency seems to be more pronounced in varieties adapted to hot climates (Ein Shemer, Anna) and less on high chill varieties. Though if I charted chill requirement against (subjective) reddishness there would be a strong trend but still anomalies: Some Ein Shemer looking pretty good and some yellow newtown pippin presenting some red.
It's supposed to warm up again soon. I'll try to be patient and if the color doesn't return I'll have to take Ron's suggestion and get an analysis. Maybe the cold is underscoring local soil deficiency. I bet the ornamental trees showing the same pattern are hot climate adapted as well. Thanks guys! Rye Hefley Future Farmers Marketer So. Cal.
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