Fruit Tree Pollination Guide
Fruit tree pollination is very important when selecting trees. One of the most common questions asked when planting fruit trees is how many trees you have to plant in order to get fruit. It can be a bit confusing as some fruit trees will produce fruit by themselves (self-pollinating) while other types will need 2 or more different varieties in order to set fruit. Here’s a fruit tree pollination guide to help explain what you need to know.
APPLES
A favourite fruit tree to grow.
Plant two or more different varieties for cross-pollination to bear fruit. Flowering crabs and wild apples will serve as pollination too. Mutsu is triploid – it needs two other varieties. Five-in-one apples have multiple varieties on one trunk and will, therefore, pollinate themselves.
PEARS
Easy to grow fruit tree.
Plant two or more different varieties for the best fruit production. Ornamental pears will act as pollinators too.
PLUMS
EUROPEAN TYPES – Self-pollinating. Only one variety is needed to bear fruit.
JAPANESE TYPES – Plant two or more varieties for cross-pollination to bear fruit. European types will also pollinate.
APRICOTS
Most are partially self-pollinating. You will get some fruit with only one tree. However, planting two or more varieties will increase fruit yield significantly.
CHERRIES
SWEET – Stella is self-pollinating. Other kinds, like Bing, need two different varieties for cross-pollination. SOUR cherries like Montmorency are self-pollinating.
PEACHES & NECTARINES
Self-pollinating. Only one variety is needed to bear fruit.
Canadale Nurseries offers a complete line of fruit trees, small fruits, berries and superfruits such as blueberries, grapes, goji berries and haskaps. Please visit us soon to see our great selection.
