Flowering periods and pollination

Most fruit trees need the pollen from another fruit tree of the same family (eg two different apples) to produce a good crop of fruit. Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male part of the flower to the female part of the flower. Best pollination occurs when there are two or more pollinators, and even self fertile varieties set better crops when cross pollinated.

It is particularly important if planting just a few trees in the garden to make ensure that your trees have the similar flower periods. Bear in mind that flower periods overlap. An apple in RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) group 3 is capable of pollinating those in groups 2, 3 and 4. But note, an apple in, say group 2, would be able to pollinate an apple in a group that is not adjacent to it; eg group 4.

In traditionally crab apples were often planted in the orchard or surrounding hedgerows to aid good pollination. Should you only have space for one tree a neighbours apple, or crab apple, if within 100ft and of a similar flowering period, be sufficient for fruit to set.

It is worth bearing in mind that there are some apples, and pears, that are triploid. What this means is that for fruit to set the pollen of two other apples is needed. An example of this type of apple is Bramley.

If space is limited and there are no other apple trees near by, you could consider planting a family tree or growing a number of trees as trained forms. A family tree is one onto which two or more different apple varieties of similar flower period have been grafted. Care is needed when pruning these trees, and make sure they come from a good nursery who has chosen the varieties of similar vigour.

Bees are the most important carrier of pollen . In larger mature orchards there should be a minimum of one hive per acre. I personally don't have hives in my orchards but seem to get good yields. However, a local bee keeper has a number of hives in a nearby wood, but this is over 200 metres away.

In the South West we rarely have problems with frost and fruit set. Our biggest problem is the weather coming in wet and windy at blossom time. This discourages bees and other pollinating insects. It is wise therefore, to have shelter for your apple trees, mainly from the South West.

With this in mind it is worth knowing that other fruit trees flower at different times. Plums are first, then pears and then apples. As plums and pears flower so early best results are achieved by planting the tougher self fertile varieties in a sheltered position.