It can be hard to know what fruit trees will self-pollinate and which ones won't. Pollination needs to occur for your trees to be able to properly bear fruit. Here is some helpful information to give your fruit trees the best chance to thrive!
What Does Pollination do?
Pollination is the process of moving pollen from one flower to another, either from wind, animals or human intervention. Without this process the tree would not have the ability to have a fertilized flower, and therefore would not produce fruit later in the season. Most fruit trees require the pollen from a separate (sometimes different variety) tree that is planted nearby (within 50 feet). Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other animals are an essential part in helping trees (and flowers) pollinate.
What Does Self-Pollinating Mean?
Some fruit trees are able to use their own flowers to pollinate themselves, this means that you do not need a different variety of that same fruit tree planted nearby. Peach trees are an example of a tree that is completely self-pollinating. Certain fruit trees are determined as partially self-pollinating. This means that the tree will produce fruit on its own, however, the yield and sometimes size of the fruit will be much smaller. For the best result of these types of trees, plant a different variety within 50 feet. Finally there are the fruit trees that are in no way self-pollinating. These trees will not produce any fruit without a different variety of tree nearby. For example, Honeycrisp Apple Trees need a different kind of Apple Tree planted nearby, such as Gala, Empire, Red Delicious etc.
Guide to Pollinating Fruit Trees
Don't forget, partially self-pollinating means it will not produce the same quality of fruit. It is recommended that you plant a different kind within 50 feet.
APPLE TREES
Empire Apple: Partially Self-Pollinating
Golden Delicious Apple: Partially Self-Pollinating
Granny Smith Apple: Partially Self-Pollinating
Honeycrisp Apple: NOT Self-Pollinating (different variety planted nearby)
McIntosh Apple: Partially Self-Pollinating
Red Delicious Apple: Partially Self-Pollinating
Royal Gala Apple: Partially Self-Pollinating
PEAR TREES
Bartlett Pear: Partially Self-Pollinating
Flemish Beauty Pear: Self-Pollinating
CHERRY TREES
Bing Cherries: NOT Self-Pollinating (different variety planted nearby)
Stella Cherries: Self-Pollinating
PEACH TREES
Contender Peach: Self-Pollinating
Reliance Peach: Self-Pollinating