Goodness is Growing: The Fall 2025 Apple Forecast

The 2025 Apple Forecast for Dougherty Orchards

The apple season kicks off in early July and runs through October, and we’re thrilled to share our forecast for the 2025 apple season with you! 

As we prepare for an exciting apple season at Dougherty Orchards & Winery, we want to share insights about our unique growing conditions. Our orchards are nestled in hilly terrain, which creates varying temperatures among the trees—affecting our apple forecast. It’s not uncommon to find one tree brimming with apples while its neighbor stands bare, all thanks to these subtle temperature differences, where even a shift of just one or two degrees can have a significant impact! This year, we faced some challenges with hailstorms and unexpected spring temperature drops. Living in Indiana means adapting to the whims of Midwest weather. 

In spite of these challenges, we are thankful to report on the apple treasures that await…

This mid-July, say hello to our first picks: Lodi and Transparent apples, often called “June Apples.” These small, green gems are quite delicate and have a short shelf life, offering a tart flavor perfect for sauces. 

As the season progresses, you can look forward to tasting Paula Red, Early Gold, Gala, and Molly Red apples. If you haven’t yet experienced the deliciousness of a Molly Red, you’re in for a treat! As Labor Day nears, expect to see Cortland, McIntosh, and several other varieties ripen. 

Current 2025 Apple Season Forecast

Apple	In Season	Good for	Taste	2025 Forecast
Braeburn	Mid Oct.	Eating, baking, sauce	Sweet, crisp	Limited
Cortland	Early Sept.	Eating, baking, sauce	Mild, tender	Available
Dr. Matthew	Early Sept.	Eating, baking, sauce	Sweet, tender	Very limited
Early Gold	Early Aug.	Eating	Semi-sweet, tender	Available
Gala	Mid-Aug.	Eating, sauce	Sweet, mellow, crisp	Available
Jonagold	Early Sept.	Eating, baking, sauce	Sweet, tart, crisp	Limited
Lodi	Early July	Sauce	Tart, soft	Available
Molly Red	Late Aug.	Eating	Sweet, crisp, juicy	Available
Paula Red	Early Aug.	Eating, baking, sauce	Tart, crisp	Available
Transparent	Early July	Sauce	Tart, soft	Available

At Dougherty Winery & Orchard, we’re excited to offer an array of Fall food and drink favorites alongside our complete food menu for the apple season. Indulge in apple donuts, apple donut sundaes, apple dumplings, caramel apples, cider, apple slushes, and our popular apple wine. And this year, we’re thrilled to introduce pizza to our offerings! 

Join us in celebrating the harvest season—there’s something special for everyone at Dougherty Orchards & Winery!