When it comes to growing fruit trees, it’s important to know that some trees need a partner to help them pollinate. This happens with trees that are self-sterile – they can’t pollinate themselves or another tree of the same kind without a different kind of the same fruit. We’re going to look at which trees need a second one to pollinate and the best pairs for each type.
Table of Contents
Fruit Trees That Require a Pollination Partner
- Apple Trees
Apple trees usually need a different kind of apple tree to pollinate them. Some types like Braeburn, Jonathan, McIntosh, and Rome apples must have a pollination partner.
- Pear Trees
Pears are like apples – most need another type of pear tree to make fruit. Bartlett, Bosc, Comice, and Anjou pears are some that require a pollination friend.
- Cherry Trees
Sweet cherries also often need a different kind of sweet cherry tree for pollination. Bing, Rainier, and Stella cherries are examples of trees that need a buddy.
- Plum Trees
Most plum trees can’t pollinate themselves and need a companion. Santa Rosa, Methley, and Shiro plums often require a different variety to produce fruit.
- Peach Trees
Although there are some peaches that can self-pollinate, many need another kind to help. Elberta, Redhaven, and Cresthaven are such types of peach trees.
Best Pairs for Pollinating Fruit Trees
When picking fruit trees for your yard, get varieties that can pollinate each other. They should bloom at the same time and have pollen that works together. Here are some great pairings:
- Apple Trees
- Braeburn can be paired with Gala or Granny Smith
- Jonathan matches well with Red Delicious or Rome
- McIntosh goes with Honeycrisp or Liberty
- Pear Trees
- Bartlett works with Bosc or Comice
- Anjou can be partnered with Bartlett or Bosc
- Comice pairs nicely with Bartlett or Anjou
- Cherry Trees
- Bing pairs up with Rainier or Stella
- Rainier goes with Bing or Stella
- Stella complements Bing or Rainier
- Plum Trees
- Santa Rosa pairs with Methley or Shiro
- Methley can be matched with Santa Rosa or Burbank
- Shiro goes well with Santa Rosa or Burbank
- Peach Trees
- Elberta pairs with Redhaven or Cresthaven
- Redhaven matches with Elberta or Hale
- Cresthaven complements Elberta or Redhaven
Tips for Making Sure Your Fruit Trees Pollinate Successfully
If you want to make sure your fruit trees pollinate properly, here are some tips:
- Place the right kinds of trees close to each other.
- Make sure they flower at the same time.
- Have food and water available for bees and other pollinators.
- Don’t use harmful pesticides that could hurt the pollinators.
- Trim your trees to help them grow new fruiting branches.
With these tips and the correct tree pairings, your garden will have a great chance of producing plenty of tasty fruit.
Conclusion
Some fruit trees must cross-pollinate to bear fruit, while others can do it on their own. When you’re planting fruit trees, it’s critical to get two different varieties that flower at the same time so they can pollinate each other. With the ideal combinations in place, you’ll be ready to enjoy a bountiful harvest of your very own fresh fruit.
