Source:  NCSU COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, 6/2/22

This is an appropriate timing to initiate a return bloom program for apples in the southeastern US. Since products that promote return bloom also have thinning activity, return bloom programs should be initiated when fruit size is between 30 and 35 mm (i.e. insensitive to chemical thinners).

In the southeast (NC, SC, and GA), two different programs are typically used to promote return bloom:
1) Four bi-weekly sprays of 5 ppm NAA (Fruitone L; PoMaxa; Refine, etc.). These applications generally occur in June and July. With NAA programs, the rate is constant regardless of variety and can be included in cover sprays.

2) A single or double application ethephon program (Ethrel; Ethephon 2; Motivate, etc.). These programs start at 6 to 8 weeks after bloom. Ethephon rates are determined by several factors, including: variety, crop load, and history of alternate bearing (see Table 1). As a result, this application must occur as a separate spray and requires an additional trip through the orchard. On varieties with a strong alternate bearing habit ('Fuji’ and 'Cameo’), a 2nd application of ethephon should be considered. The 2nd application occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the initial application.

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