Pollinating Fruit Trees

Pollination Basics Most fruit trees require pollination between two or more trees for fruit to set. Pollination occurs when the trees blossom. Pollen from the anthers (the male part of the plant) has to be transferred to the stigma (the female part of the plant).

Can a pear tree pollinate an apple tree?

In general terms each species can only pollinate others of its own kind - apples will only pollinate other apples, pears will only pollinate pears, and so on. Amongst apples there is generally no distinction between crab apples, cider apples, and mainstream apples - they can all potentially cross-pollinate each other.

How do you self pollinate fruit trees?

Gather pollen from larger trees by brushing the duster on a pole through the centers of flowers on the first, or pollinating tree. Carry the pole to the second tree and dab the pollen-filled duster into the centers of the blooms on that tree. Continue pollinating your trees for several days, as more blossoms open.

How do you know if a fruit tree is self-pollinating?

Some fruit trees are self-pollinating or self-fruitful while others are non-self-fruitful. Self-pollinating fruit trees are those which do not need another type of tree nearby in order to complete the process of pollination. Cherry trees and peach trees are two types of fruit trees in this category.

Can cherry and apple trees cross pollinate?

Apples and sweet cherries definitely need cross-pollination and so do sour cherries which, although they are considered self compatible, to benefit by the movement of pollen by bees in the wind.

Will a single fruit tree bear fruit?

Fruit trees that do not require cross pollination by a different variety are self-fruitful. They bear fruit when one variety is planted alone. Most peach and tart cherry varieties are self-fertile and can be expected to bear fruit with pollen from the same tree or another tree of the same variety.

Do I need 2 pear trees to get fruit?

Plan to plant at least two varieties of pear trees, as they will need to be cross-pollinated to produce fruit. Make sure the varieties are compatible with each other. Space standard-size trees 20 to 25 feet apart.

Do you need 2 apple trees to produce fruit?

Apples are self-unfruitful. Plant at least two different apple tree varieties within 50 feet of one another for a good fruit set. Some apple varieties, such as Golden Delicious, will produce a crop without cross-pollination from a second variety.

How close do fruit trees need to be to pollinate?

In planting for pollination, a fruit tree that needs a pollinator needs it close by. A maximum distance of 100 feet is suggested, but the closer the better. Bees that carry pollen are unlikely to fly back and forth if distance between trees is greater. In addition to planting pollinators, other alternatives exist.

Which fruit trees do not need pollination?

Most peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, citrus, figs, sour cherries, persimmons, quince and pomegranates don't need pollinizers (compatible trees for pollination). They are what horticulturalists call self-fertile.

Why can't apple trees self-pollinate?

This is because almost all apple trees are dioecious, which means they need cross pollination from another plant in order to bear fruit.

Can you pollinate without bees?

Approximately 60 percent of the total volume of food grown worldwide does not require animal pollination. Many staple foods, such as wheat, rice, and corn, are among those 28 crops that require no help from bees. They either self-pollinate or get help from the wind.

Can you plant peach and apple trees together?

It is possible to plant apple and peach trees together. The main difference is that peaches are not pollinated by apples, so you must ensure that there are sufficient sunshine and good drainage. Both fruits are easy to grow and produce delicious fruit, but they cannot be planted together.

Do I need 2 plum trees to produce fruit?

Most plum trees are not self-pollinating, so you will need to plant at least two plum trees to bear fruit. When planting a plum tree, it is important to make sure that the variety you choose will grow well in your climate.

How close to apple trees need to be to pollinate?

Since bees fly between trees, it's also important to consider the spacing between your apple trees. Plant them too far apart and bees can't reach the pollinator partners! For pollination purposes, the recommended planting distance for apple trees is within a 100 foot distance.

Do you need 2 cherry trees to produce fruit?

Only one sour cherry tree needs to be planted for pollination and fruit set. Many sweet cherry varieties cannot produce fruit from their own pollen and are considered self-unfruitful. These plants require cross-pollination for fruit set.

What trees pollinate a Honeycrisp apple tree?

Pollinators for the Honeycrisp Apple include Gala Apple Trees, McIntosh Apple Trees, Fuji Apple Trees, Golden Delicious Apple Trees, Pink Lady Apple Trees, Red Delicious Apple Trees and more.

What trees will pollinate a pear tree?

Pear Fruiting Variety	Compatible Pollinizer
Anjou	Bartlett, Bosc, Comice, Anjou*, Seckel
Bartlett	Anjou, Bosc, Comice
Bosc	Anjou, Bartlett, Comice, Seckel
Comice	Anjou, Bartlett, Bosc, Seckel

Do you pull off the first lot of fruit off a fruit tree early?

Because the tree is young, it hasn't had much time to develop and grow the framework that is needed to hold the fruit it's trying to produce, so it's best to take off these first fruits when they are the size of a tiny pea and allow the framework (branches) of all the grafts to develop first.

Which fruit trees bear fruit quickly?

For trees that bear fruit that grows quickly, look to soft fruits, including peaches, papaya, apricots, figs and mulberries. In general, plant fruit trees like these so they get lots of sun – and decent airflow between branches to produce sweet, healthy fruit, so pruning of the trees is important.