Frankliniella occidentalis(Pergande) oviposition was examined in ‘Granny Smith’ apple bud and fruitlet clusters under different adult population densities throughout bloom. Samples of bud clusters of different maturation stages taken throughout bloom in 1989–1990 indicated that egg densities and egg infestation rates within a sample date were generally higher on more mature clusters. However, rather than thrips preferentially ovipositing on the more mature blossom cluster stages, most eggs were laid on buds by early-pink to early-bloom state during 1989 and 1990 with little to no accumulation later in bloom. Cohorts of clusters maturing later in bloom had few to no eggs. Egg densities did not increase with rising thrips densities within clusters either across bloom states or across treatments with different population densities. Clusters sampled during late bloom in 1990 had the highest thrips densities but had very low egg densities. Eggs were often laid (12–100%) on sepals and on the stems of apple buds rather than on the area around the ovary that would result in scarred fruit. Within apple bud clusters, more eggs were laid and egg densities were higher on king buds (central apical bud, which opens first) compared with lateral buds (those buds within a cluster surrounding the king).