Hi, fellow fruit growers! I’ve been growing apricots for years, and people always ask me if the trees can pollinate themselves. Let me explain this in simple terms and tell you what I know about how apricots breed.
The Quick Answer
Most apricot trees can make fruit with pollen from their own flowers, which is also known as being self-fertile. But having another apricot tree nearby can make your fruit much better and increase the amount you get.
Understanding Apricot Tree Pollination
How Self-Pollination Works in Apricots
The flowers on apricot trees are what we call “perfect” because each one has both male and female parts. Here’s what happens during pollination:
- Pollen transfers from the male part (stamen) to the female part (stigma)
- This can happen within the same flower or between different flowers on the same tree
- The process typically occurs through:
- Natural movement (wind)
- Insect activity (especially bees)
- Hand pollination (when needed)
Self-Fertile vs. Cross-Pollination
While most apricot varieties are self-fertile, there’s a catch:
- Self-fertile trees can produce fruit on their own
- Cross-pollination often leads to:
- Larger fruit size
- Better fruit quality
- More consistent harvests
- Higher overall yield
Apricot Varieties That Need Cross-Pollination
Not all apricot trees are created equal! Here are some varieties that definitely need a pollination partner
- Harlayne
- Rival
- Vivagold
- Perfection
- Orange Red
- Wonder Cot
- Sungold
- Tomcot (partially self-fertile)
- Goldbar (partially self-fertile)
- Goldrich
Best Practices for Apricot Pollination
Planting Distance for Cross-Pollination
I always tell my gardening buddies to follow these guidelines:
- Plant trees within 50 feet of each other
- Closer spacing = better pollination
- Maximum recommended distance: 100 feet
Improving Pollination Success
Here’s what I do to boost pollination in my apricot orchard:
-
Plant Pollinator-Friendly Flowers
- Lavender
- Heather
- Bleeding heart
- Grape hyacinth
- Lilac
-
Support Pollinators
- Install bee houses
- Avoid pesticides during bloom
- Provide water sources for insects
- Keep flowering weeds away from tree base
Hand Pollination: When and How
Sometimes, you gotta take matters into your own hands (literally!). Here’s when to consider hand pollination:
- During wet spring weather
- When there’s low insect activity
- If you have limited pollinators in your area
- For trees grown in greenhouses
Hand Pollination Steps
-
Gather Your Tools:
- Small, soft paintbrush or cotton swab
- Clean container (optional)
- Steady hand!
-
Time It Right:
- Choose a dry, calm day
- Pollinate during peak bloom
- Best time: late morning to early afternoon
-
The Process:
- Gently collect pollen from open blossoms
- Transfer to other flowers immediately
- Be gentle – blossoms are delicate!
Common Pollination Problems and Solutions
Weather-Related Issues:
- Late frost damage
- Excessive heat
- Heavy rain
- Strong winds
Solutions:
- Use frost protection methods
- Plant in sheltered locations
- Consider using temporary covers during bad weather
Pollinator Problems:
- Insufficient bee activity
- Competing blooms nearby
- Pesticide use affecting pollinators
Solutions:
- Plant pollinator-attracting flowers
- Avoid spraying during bloom time
- Provide habitat for beneficial insects
Final Tips for Success
- Choose the right variety for your climate
- Plant multiple varieties when possible
- Maintain healthy trees through proper care
- Monitor bloom times of different varieties
- Keep records of pollination success
Wrapping It Up
While most apricot trees are self-pollinating, I’ve found that having multiple trees always gives better results. It’s like having a backup plan – if one tree struggles, the others can help out. Plus, who doesn’t want more apricots?
Remember, successful pollination is just one part of growing great apricots. Good soil, proper pruning, and regular care are equally important. But get the pollination right, and you’re well on your way to a delicious harvest!
Have you ever grown apricots? If so, how did the pollination go? Please share your stories and questions in the section below.
Note: This guide is based on my personal experience and research. Your results may vary depending on your specific climate and growing conditions.
Categories Browse By Topic:
Planting Bare Root Plants:
- Pick a spot that gets full sun and has pH-6.0 soil that drains well. 0-7. 0. Make sure there is some protection from the prevailing winds. Late-spring frosts are less likely to happen in the north, and there is more likely to be snow cover there. This protects the plants from soil heaving in winter. Planting near the roots of black walnut trees is not a good idea. Avoid heavy clay soil as well as sandy soil. Amend as needed with organic matter.
- Apricot trees are semi-self-pollinating, with ‘Blenheim’ as self-pollinating. Two different varieties can help fruit production. When you plant trees, make sure they are within 50 feet of each other.
- Space trees 12-18 feet apart.
- As soon as the ground can be worked in the spring, plant bare root plants that are dormant.
- Soak the roots in water 1-2 hours before planting.
- When planting, cut the tree back to about 30 inches tall. Cut side branches back to 3-4 buds.
- There should be enough room in the hole for all the roots to fit without them bending or bunching up. Dig holes at least 18 inches deep and wide. Break up hard pan soil layers if present. Do not mix raw fertilizers or manure into the soil. Over feeding can kill young trees.
- After planting, put the budded or grafted tree in the hole so that the roots lie flat and the bud union is just above the soil. Spread out the soil and tamp it down around the roots to make sure the soil is in contact with the roots and to get rid of any air pockets.
- Right away, water the hole to make sure all the soil and roots are wet. Once the soil around the plant has broken down, make sure the bud union is the right height above the soil. Adjust as needed. After 6 to 8 weeks, when the weather gets warmer, the leaves should come out.
- During the first growing season, water newly transplanted trees deeply at least once a week when it doesn’t rain enough. Apply 3-4 gallons of water per tree. Make a small ridge of soil around each tree with a hoe to keep water from running off.
- Three to four weeks after planting, a nitrogen fertilizer should be put on fruit trees that have just been moved. It is important to keep granular fertilizers away from the tree trunk.
- It is important not to work the soil around the planting hole.
- Use shredded leaves or other organic matter to make a layer of mulch two to three inches deep and three to four feet around the base of the tree.
- Mouse, rabbit, deer, and other animals can damage your plants and trees. To stop this, use tree guards, cages, fencing, or deer bags.
- Monitor for Pests and diseases. Talk to your local Cooperative Extension Service to find out what pest control methods are best for your area.
- Early pruning helps keep the tree’s shape and health in check by building a strong, well-balanced framework of scaffold branches. Don’t cut the plant back more than one-third of its size. Prune regularly to avoid making large cuts later. Not leaving stubs can cause them to die off and spread disease. Cut off all diseased, weak and dead wood. Cut back trees in late winter; don’t do it from January to March. Family members of apricots and peaches shouldn’t be pruned when it’s freezing outside because it could damage the wood.
Do Apricot Trees Need Cross Pollination? – Ecosystem Essentials
FAQ
Do I need two apricot trees?
POLLINATION. Many apricots are self-fertile and require no pollinator, however some varieties are not. While many apricots are self-fertile, generally a pollination partner will increase the size and quality of the harvest.
Why is my apricot tree not fruiting?
The apricot tree’s lack of fruit production could be due to flower or young fruit damage from weather; it could be due to reduced pollination, also …May 21, 2018.
How long does it take for an apricot tree to bear fruit?
Apricot trees typically bear fruit three to four years after planting. To make sure you have a good harvest, make sure you give your tree the care it needs. 1. Stake your tree in windy climates.
Where is the best place to plant an apricot tree?
Apricots perform best where spring weather is dry. They are susceptible to late spring frosts and do not do well in areas with summer fog. Apricot trees need full sun, good air movement, and well-drained soil at least four feet deep. They require 600 to 900 chill hours (temperatures below 45° F).
Are apricot trees self pollinating?
Trees of this species can’t pollinate themselves; they need pollen from another tree in order to bear fruit. There are two ways to pollinate apricot trees: manually and naturally. Problems with apricot tree pollination can include pollination failure, low fruit set, and poor fruit quality.
Do apricot trees need cross pollination?
The answer is. It depends! Most types of apricots are self-fertile, which means they can produce fruit without another plant to pollinate them. However, some types need to be crossed-pollinated to produce a good harvest. Even self-pollinating apricot trees will benefit from increased pollination and fruit set if another variety is nearby.
Can apricots be pollinated?
Two different apricot varieties are needed for pollination. Some hybrid apricot trees, such as ‘Flavor Delight’ and ‘Cot-N-Candy’ apriums, can also be apricot pollinizers. How are apricots pollinated? Apricot tree buds begin to form in the fall, but the blossoms open in early spring when the tree emerges from dormancy.
Are apricot blossoms pollinated by bees?
Apricot blossoms are typically pollinated by bees. Cross pollination occurs when a pollinator carries pollen from a flower on one tree to a flower on another tree. Self-pollinating trees can set fruit if pollen is transferred from one blossom to another on the same tree.
Are apricots self-pollinating?
Apricots are indeed self-pollinating, with many varieties capable of setting fruit without the need for a different apricot tree nearby. However, while apricots possess this ability, they can certainly benefit from some helping hands—literally. In areas with little insect activity or bad weather, hand-pollination ensures a plentiful harvest.
Are apricot trees self-fruiting?
Although apricot trees are considered self-fruiting, sometimes it’s best to have more than one tree for pollination purposes. You can even have two different varieties of apricot trees, as having more than one can help if apricot fruiting does not occur. If you have an apricot tree not fruiting, it could very well be because of poor pollination.