Pollination might be a concern when growing your apples. In most cases, we did not try to find out whether trees self-pollinate. Varieties of trees may have a different effect. Some plants self-pollinate, while others require a partner to pollinate them.
The apple trees, however, are another story.
Are apple trees self pollinating?
Apple trees such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, Mcintosh, Jonagold, and Red Delicious do not self-pollinate. These trees are pollinated by bees. Pollen is transferred from one blossom to another. The Pink Lady, Gala, Granny, and Golden Delicious apple trees are among the few that self-pollinate.
Some apple trees may also be pollinated by other insects, but this is less common. Despite that, it’s still possible with a little bit of effort. Read up on the different types of apple trees available and decide which one is best for you if you want to grow your apples.
Honeycrisp apple trees:
When you’re looking for an early harvest, Honeycrisp apple trees are a good choice. You have to worry about cross-pollination with Honeycrisp apples since they are not self-pollinating.
Furthermore, you’ll need to invest in a good apple tree stand since this tree is not easy to grow.
Fuji apple trees:
A Fuji apple tree is a good choice for those who want a medium-term harvest. Fuji apples, however, do not self-pollinate. Harvesting the fruit will require you to avoid cross-pollination.
Furthermore, this apple tree requires little maintenance and is relatively easy to grow.
Pink lady apple trees:
In terms of long-term harvest, Pink Lady apple trees are a good choice. Due to its self-pollinating abilities, cross-pollination isn’t an issue. Moreover, this tree requires little maintenance and is relatively easy to grow.
Gala apple trees:
Gala apple trees are self-pollinating and provide a long-term harvest. The Gala apple, however, is not the most flavorful, so if you are looking for a flavorful fruit, choose another apple variety.
Mcintosh apple trees:
The Mcintosh apple tree does not self-pollinate. Therefore, cross-pollination is a common problem. You will also need to be patient when growing this type of apple tree.
Granny smith apple trees:
Granny Smith apple trees self-pollinate. This type of apple tree also grows slowly, so you’ll have to be patient when planting and growing it. Furthermore, Granny smith apples aren’t the tastiest.
Golden delicious apple trees:
Golden Delicious apple trees self-pollinate. In other words, one tree’s pollen fertilizes the flowers on another tree. There is, however, the possibility of cross-pollination between Golden Delicious apples and other varieties.
Jonagold apple trees:
Jonagold apple trees do not self-pollinate. You should avoid cross-pollinating your trees if you want apples that are uniform in quality and taste.
Red delicious apple trees:
There is no self-pollination in the Red Delicious apple tree. Therefore, cross-pollinating your tree is essential if you wish to have apples of uniform quality and taste.
Do you need two apple trees to pollinate?
Pollinating two apple trees can increase your yield, even if you do not need two. Pollen transfer occurs when a male tree is adjacent to a female tree in wind-pollinated apple trees.
A commercial pollinator or artificial pollinator can be used instead of two apple trees if you don’t have two available.
Pollination does not require two apple trees. It is recommended, however, to put out an extra bloom on your tree if you want to increase your chances of getting fruit. It will also increase the chances of cross-pollination and attract other pollinators.
Even if one of your apple trees is not flowering, there is no need to panic; the tree will still bear fruit.
Can apple trees cross-pollinate?
The process of cross-pollination occurs when pollen from one plant is transferred to another plant via the wind. As an example, this typically occurs when two different plants grow close to one another, for example, two apple trees growing close to one another.
Cross-pollination is possible between apple trees. Cross-pollination occurs when pollen from one tree fertilizes the flowers of another tree. Fruit yields and quality can be reduced as a result.
You should keep your apple trees separate by placing a male and female tree next to each other to ensure pollination.
How do pollinate apple trees?
Pollination of apple trees requires either male or female trees. Make sure there is plenty of pollen available to transfer between the male and female trees. Approximately 6-8 weeks after the female’s flowers have been fertilized, the fruit will begin to bear.
To do that, follow these steps.
Things you will need:
- Apple tree
- Male or female tree
- Pesticide
- Spray bottle
- Water hose
- Rubber band
- Scissors
- Straw
Check the apple tree’s bloom:
Early spring is the best time to see apple trees in bloom. On branches near the ground, look for clusters of small white flowers. A bloom is typically short-lived, so make sure you take a good look before it disappears!
Cut off male blossom cluster:
Find and cut off any male blooms on the flowering apple tree. They will be green and have smaller flowers than female blooms. Other parts of the tree should not be damaged or removed!
Apply pesticide:
The pesticide needs to be applied now. Using a spray bottle, fill it with water and add the appropriate number of pesticides. Any insects or pests attracted to the flowers should be prevented at any cost. Don’t spray parts of the apple tree you wouldn’t want to get sprayed.
Hang male blossom cluster near the female tree:
Your Male blooms should be hung up after you have applied your pesticide so they can pollinate nearby Females. Rubber bands or string can be used to hold them in place until needed.
Enjoy your pollinated apple trees:
It’s now time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! After placing the Male blooms near the Female blooms, you can start enjoying the flowers! It usually takes about six to eight weeks for apple trees to bear fruit.
Why is the apple tree not producing fruit?
The apple tree is not bearing fruit for a variety of reasons. There may not have been enough pollination recently. During blooming, there might be some pests or insects bothering the tree. Below are the most common reasons why your apple tree is not producing fruit.
Not pollinated enough:
There may not have been enough pollination of the apple tree recently. For the flowers to get pollinated and the fruit to form, the male blossoms need to be close to the female blossoms.
When Male blooms are too far away from Female blooms, pollen won’t reach them and no fruit will be produced.
Pests or insects bothering the tree during the blooming stage:
Insects and pests may bother apple trees during blooming.
If this is the case, you can get rid of them by spraying pesticides on your tree. If the problem is too big and affects other parts of your tree as well, you might need to take more drastic measures, such as pulling out and throwing away affected branches.
Not having the right Fruit Breed:
You might not be able to bear fruit if you planted an apple tree that did not come from a breeder. Apple trees require a specific Fruit Breed to bear fruit. In the absence of this breed, you’ll probably end up with barren trees or unappetizing fruits if you try to plant one.
Wrong Planting Location:
To thrive, apple trees require a cool, moist environment to thrive. A tree that is planted in an area that is too hot and dry will not be able to produce fruit if it is planted in a hot and dry location.
Check the planting location of your apple tree before you plant it so that you don’t end up disappointed when you plant the tree.
Not Mulching the Tree Well:
There are many reasons why apple trees need to be mulched to keep their roots healthy and strong. It might be detrimental to your apple tree’s growth if you do not do so, which may result in a decline in fruit production on your tree.
The first thing you need to make sure of is that you have an even layer of mulch on top of the soil so that it doesn’t get too hot or windy, especially during the summer.
Fertilizing the Tree Wrong:
Fertilizing apple trees every year is essential for maintaining their growth and fruit production. To ensure your apple tree grows healthy and produces plenty of fruit, use a fertilizer designed specifically for apple trees. Make sure not to over fertilize apples since they are heavy feeders.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Pink Lady, Gala, Granny, and Golden Delicious apple trees do not self-pollinate. However, some apples are self-pollinating, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, Mcintosh, and Red Delicious. Typically, apple trees are pollinated by the wind. No fruit can be caused by insufficient pollination.