MONROE, Va. — Virginia’s apple-picking season has come to an early end.

Typically, apples would still be on trees for pick-your-own fans of the fruit, but unseasonably warm temperatures in February and March led to an early bloom, and a harvest 10 days to two weeks early.

Grower Scott Barnes of Morris Orchards in Amherst County says while pick-your-own operations may be over, apples can still be found in abundance at farm stands and farmers markers. And he said the fruit has plenty of flavor this season.

Gregory Peck is a Virginia Cooperative extension tree fruit specialist. He says that despite the early harvest, Virginia apples are in high demand because of crop losses in other states.

Peck said Virginia growers are pleased, but yields won’t be reported for several months.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)