Pollination Purposes and Charts
Most fruit trees and shrubs require pollination to occur at blossom time for fruit to develop. Some types may be pollinated with their own pollen (self-pollinating), but others need pollen from another variety (cross pollination).
Pollination can be affected by weather, wind or presence of honeybees. Cross pollination can help more fruit to develop on trees or shrubs, and even larger fruit sizes. Ideal distance to ensure cross pollination for trees and plants is within 50-60 feet of one another.
Timing is important when it comes to pollination. Keep in mind bloom times of specific varieties when choosing a cross pollinator. For example, plant an early-season variety with another early-season variety.
It is notable to add that some fruit trees have a difference in chromosomes. Most apple varieties are diploids, meaning they have two sets of chromosomes. There are triploid apple varieties, meaning they have three sets of chromosomes. There is a lot of science behind our next sentence, but the important thing to know is that triploid varieties are unreliable pollinators for other varieties. They are receptive to pollen, but not good at providing pollen for fruit production. Triploid varieties will be noted on the Apple Pollination Chart. It is worth mentioning that triploid apple varieties tend to produce plentiful large sized fruit and be fairly naturally disease resistant. When planting a triploid variety, be sure to plant two other non-triploid varieties that bloom around the same time. If space is limited, be sure to plant alongside a self-pollinating variety. Crabapple trees are self-pollinating and will serve as a pollinator for your triploid apple tree.
Pollination can be affected by weather, wind or presence of honeybees. Cross pollination can help more fruit to develop on trees or shrubs, and even larger fruit sizes. Ideal distance to ensure cross pollination for trees and plants is within 50-60 feet of one another.
Timing is important when it comes to pollination. Keep in mind bloom times of specific varieties when choosing a cross pollinator. For example, plant an early-season variety with another early-season variety.
It is notable to add that some fruit trees have a difference in chromosomes. Most apple varieties are diploids, meaning they have two sets of chromosomes. There are triploid apple varieties, meaning they have three sets of chromosomes. There is a lot of science behind our next sentence, but the important thing to know is that triploid varieties are unreliable pollinators for other varieties. They are receptive to pollen, but not good at providing pollen for fruit production. Triploid varieties will be noted on the Apple Pollination Chart. It is worth mentioning that triploid apple varieties tend to produce plentiful large sized fruit and be fairly naturally disease resistant. When planting a triploid variety, be sure to plant two other non-triploid varieties that bloom around the same time. If space is limited, be sure to plant alongside a self-pollinating variety. Crabapple trees are self-pollinating and will serve as a pollinator for your triploid apple tree.
Pecan trees require cross-pollination between different cultivars to maximize nut yield and quality, as self-pollination often results in 75% lower yields. They are wind-pollinated, monoecious trees (male catkins and female flowers on one tree) that use dichogamy—shedding pollen and receiving it at different times—to force cross-pollination.
How to Ensure Proper Pollination:
Pecan trees require cross-pollination between different cultivars to maximize nut yield and quality, as self-pollination often results in 75% lower yields. They are wind-pollinated, monoecious trees (male catkins and female flowers on one tree) that use dichogamy—shedding pollen and receiving it at different times—to force cross-pollination.
- Trees are classified by when they release pollen (catkins) versus when female flowers are receptive.
- Type I (Protandrous): Male catkins release pollen before female flowers are ready.
- Type II (Protogynous): Female flowers are receptive before male catkins release pollen.
- Requirement for Success: To get a good crop, you must plant at least one Type I and one Type II tree to ensure their schedules overlap.
- Wind-Driven: Pecan pollen is lightweight and carried by the wind, not bees. A single catkin can produce millions of pollen grains.
- Benefits: Cross-pollinated nuts are typically larger and higher quality, whereas self-pollination can lead to poor, small, or empty nuts.
How to Ensure Proper Pollination:
- Select Compatible Pairs: Consult the chart above to ensure the pollen from one tree aligns with the female receptivity of another.
- Plant Together: Place different, compatible varieties near each other (ideally within 100-200 feet, though wind can carry pollen further).
