Franka Kruse-Gering

September 9, 2026, 2:18 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

Heat and Drought Slow Growth

Whether in home gardens or commercial orchards, many apples are smaller this year than usual. The Federal Center for Agriculture (BZL) identifies one main reason for this. “Heat and drought have led to smaller fruits in many German apple-growing regions this year,” explains Barbara Moitz, spokesperson for the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE), for the Federal Center for Agriculture (BZL) upon request from myHOMEBOOK.

The background is the low water availability during crucial growth phases of the fruits. “Adequate and consistent water supply is important for fruit growth, especially during the cell growth phase. If the water supply is lacking, it leads to restrictions in growth and fruit supply.”

However, the extent of the impact depends on the specific location. While some fruit growers were able to irrigate their orchards, others relied entirely on rainfall. Particularly in the Lake Constance region, Hesse, and parts of North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, fruit growers report smaller fruits due to prolonged heat and drought periods. Where irrigation was possible, the size differences were often minimal, according to Moitz.

Significant differences are also evident in private gardens. “Even in home gardens, apples may remain smaller this year. The main cause is water stress due to heat and drought. Unwatered trees are particularly affected,” adds Moitz.

Also interesting: Why apples sometimes have glassy spots

Not Only Heat and Drought Lead to Smaller Apples

The dry summer only partially explains the problems of many apple trees, says Moitz. “Not only heat and drought phases lead to the problems described above, but also higher average temperatures, increased sunlight, hail, heavy rainfall, or storms affect yield quantities and fruit quality as well as development and growth phases.” As a result, apples may remain smaller, show skin damage, or the trees may yield less overall.

Why Apples Fall from the Tree Before Harvest

It’s not just the fruit size that worries many garden owners. Prematurely falling apples also seem more common this year. Often, the same cause that impairs fruit growth is behind this. “When apples fall from the tree prematurely, it is often a result of drought stress. The tree conserves its survival by saving nutrients and energy,” explains Moitz. By shedding some of its fruits, the tree reduces its energy needs and increases its chances of survival.

More on the topic

Three Helpful Measures How to Properly Care for an Apple Tree After Harvest

Attention, Gardeners Many Garden Owners Overlook Heat Damage to Trees

Brown Spots and Rot Can Have Various Causes

Not every damaged apple is automatically a victim of drought. Weather extremes, diseases, and pests can also affect the fruits. “Brown spots indicate burns (sunburn). Deformations, open spots, or rot can result from severe weather events like hail,” explains Moitz. Additionally, pests and fungal diseases can cause damage. “Moreover, pests like codling moths, brown marmorated stink bugs, or fungal diseases like apple scab can lead to premature fruit drop, dents, brown spots, cracks, or deformation.”

Small but Mighty? How Experts Evaluate the 2026 Apple Season

This year’s season has posed challenges for many fruit growers. However, experts do not necessarily expect a poor apple harvest. “This year, the prolonged drought and heat periods, as well as severe weather events, have heavily impacted certain regions and their fruit-growing operations,” explains Moitz. At the same time, there are “optimistic operations, especially regarding the quality of the apples and thus taste, sugar content, and appearance.” So even if the fruits are smaller in many regions, the harvest could still be quite flavorful.