Do Apples Need a Second Plant to Pollinate?

Variety

• For pollination to occur, another nearby apple tree of a different variety must be flowering simultaneously. For semi-dwarf apples, the other variety needs to be within 50 feet; dwarf varieties should be a maximum of 20 feet away. Because not all apples bloom at the same time, it is important to consult with a nursery professional when purchasing trees to be sure that they are compatible pollinators. Crabapples bloom for an unusually long period and can be used to pollinate a wide range of apple varieties during the flowering season.

Pollinators

• The presence of another apple tree is not sufficient on its own for pollination to occur. Apples are not wind-pollinated, but are reliant on bees to carry pollen from one flower to another in their search for nectar. If there are few or no bees present, pollination will be incomplete. It is beneficial if other plants are blooming nearby when the apple flowers open, so that high numbers of bees are already in the vicinity for the brief window when apples are receptive to pollination. Excessive use of pesticides can limit the number of bees and should be avoided in a home orchard.

Weather

• Weather conditions can also prevent successful pollination from occurring. Bees become inactive in cold, windy or rainy weather and they are significantly less active in cloudy weather. If inclement weather coincides with the entire bloom period of an apple tree, pollination may not occur. The blossoms themselves can also be damaged in severe spring weather. For this reason, early blooming varieties should not be used in areas where late frosts are likely to occur.

Self-Fertile Trees

• A few apple varieties are at least partially self-fertile or able to set fruit without pollen from another tree. These include "Granny Smith," "Jonagold," and "Gala." However, these will produce larger crops if they are cross-pollinated by another variety. It is also possible to have more than one variety grafted onto the same tree. Many nurseries offer multi-grafted apples, which are a good choice where space is a concern. However, it is necessary to confirm that the grafted varieties blossom simultaneously to ensure successful pollination.