Apple trees are classified into apple pollination groups based on their flowering time. These groups come in sequential order, ensuring that trees flower at the same time for successful pollination.

• Group 1: Early flowering

• Group 2: Mid-early flowering

• Group 3: Mid-season flowering

• Group 4: Late flowering

• Group 5+: Very late flowering

A tree can only be pollinated by another tree in the same or adjacent group. For example, a group 3 tree can be pollinated by another tree from group 2 or group 4.

Some apple varieties are triploid, meaning they have sterile pollen and cannot pollinate other trees. To ensure a successful fruit set, these trees require two other trees from compatible pollination groups.

Common triploid varieties include:

• Bramley’s Seedling

• Blenheim Orange

• Orleans Reinette

Plant a triploid tree alongside two other fruit trees from compatible flowering groups to successfully produce fruit.

To ensure successful pollination, choose a suitable pollination partner from the same or adjacent pollination group. Use an apple pollination groups chart to match your variety with the right partner. If space is limited, consider planting a self-fertile variety or using crab apple trees as universal pollinators.

Crab apple trees are excellent pollinators as they produce an abundance of pollen and flowers at the same time as many apple trees. They are particularly useful to ensure good pollination but only have space for one tree.

Many people wonder if apple and pear trees can cross-pollinate. The answer is no—apple trees can pollinate only other apple trees, while pear trees require a separate pollination partner.

If you live in a built-up area, you might worry about poor fruit tree pollination. The good news is that pollinating bees can travel several miles, increasing your chances of successful pollination. You can also plant multiple trees in neighbouring groups to improve fruit pollination.

Q: What are apple tree pollination groups?

A: Apple tree pollination groups categorise apple varieties based on their cross-pollination ability. Planting trees that can effectively share pollen is essential for good fruit production.

Q: Do all apple trees need another tree to pollinate?

A: Not all apple trees need another tree to pollinate. Some varieties are self-fertile, meaning they can produce fruit on their own. However, most apple trees benefit from having another apple tree nearby for better fruit pollination.

Q: What is the importance of flowering time in apple trees?

A: Flowering time is crucial because, for pollination to occur, the apple blossoms of different trees need to be open at the same time. If trees have mismatched flowering periods, you might end up with poor pollination and fewer apples.

Q: Can different apple varieties pollinate each other?

A: Different apple varieties can pollinate each other, but they must belong to compatible apple tree pollination groups. For example, a tree from group B can pollinate a tree from group C, but not all combinations work.

Q: What is a pollination groups chart?

A: A pollination groups chart is a helpful guide that shows which apple tree varieties can cross-pollinate. It helps you decide which trees to plant together for the best results.

Q: What happens if I plant only self-fertile apple trees?

A: If you only plant self-fertile apple trees, you might still get apples, but your harvest will be smaller. Having another nearby apple tree can improve fruit yield and quality, even among self-fertile varieties.

Q: Are there any sterile apple tree varieties?

A: Some apple tree varieties produce sterile pollen and cannot pollinate other trees. These trees should be planted alongside varieties that can support fruit pollination.

Q: How do I know which apple trees to plant together?

A: To determine which apple trees to plant together, check their pollination group compatibility using a pollination groups chart. Could you make sure you pair varieties that bloom at the same time and belong to adjacent groups?

Q: Can fruit trees other than apple trees help with pollination?

A: Generally, apple trees need pollen from another apple tree for successful pollination. Other fruit trees, like plum trees or cherry trees, won’t help pollinate your apple trees, so stick to apple varieties.

Q: Where can I buy apple trees suitable for pollination?

A: Apple trees suitable for pollination are widely available at garden centres and through online retailers. When purchasing, check their pollination group to ensure they will work well with any existing trees in your garden.

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