Hey there, fellow fruit gardeners! I’ve been growing apricots for years, and one question I get asked all the time is whether apricot trees are self-pollinating. Let me break this down for you in simple terms and share everything I’ve learned about apricot pollination
The Quick Answer
Most apricot trees are self-pollinating (self-fertile) meaning they can produce fruit with pollen from their own flowers. However having another apricot tree nearby can significantly increase your fruit yield and quality.
Understanding Apricot Tree Pollination
How Self-Pollination Works in Apricots
Apricot trees have what we call “perfect flowers” – each blossom contains 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 tried growing apricots? What’s been your experience with pollination? I’d love to hear your stories and questions in the comments below!
Note: This guide is based on my personal experience and research. Your results may vary depending on your specific climate and growing conditions.
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Planting Bare Root Plants:
- Choose a site in full sun in an area with well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Make sure there is some protection from the prevailing winds. Northern exposures are less prone to late spring frosts, and are more likely to have more snow cover. This protects the plants from soil heaving in winter. Do not plant in the root zone of black walnut trees. 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. Be sure to plant pollinator trees within 50 feet of each other.
- Space trees 12-18 feet apart.
- Plant dormant bare root plants in spring as soon as the soil may be worked.
- Soak the roots in water 1-2 hours before planting.
- Cut the tree back to approximately 30 inches tall at planting. Cut side branches back to 3-4 buds.
- The planting hole should be large enough to hold all the roots without bending or bunching up. Dig holes at least 18 inches deep and wide. Break up hard pan soil layers if present. Do not add raw fertilizers or manure to the soil mixture. Over feeding can kill young trees.
- Set the budded or grafted tree in the planting hole so that roots lie naturally, with the bud union just above the soil level after planting. Fill in the soil in layers and tamp down around the roots to make sure there is good soil to root contact and to remove air pockets.
- Water immediately to saturate all soil and roots in the hole. After the soil around the plant has settled, make sure the bud union is at the proper height above the soil level. Adjust as needed. Leaves should emerge 6-8 weeks after planting once the weather has warmed.
- When rainfall is not adequate, water newly transplanted trees deeply at least once a week during the first growing season. Apply 3-4 gallons of water per tree. Hoe a small ridge of soil around each tree to keep water from running off.
- A nitrogen fertilizer should be applied to newly transplanted fruit trees 3-4 weeks after planting. Be sure to keep granular fertilizers from direct contact with the tree trunk.
- Do not cultivate the soil surface within the area of the planting hole.
- Mulch 2-3 inches deep, extending 3-4 feet around the base of the tree, using shredded leaves or other organic matter.
- Use tree guards, cages, fencing or deer bags to prevent damage from mice, rabbits, deer and other wildlife.
- Monitor for Pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.
- Pruning is done early to control the shape and health of the tree, by developing a strong, well-balanced framework of scaffold branches. Do not cut back by more than 1/3 of the size of the plant. Prune regularly to avoid making large cuts later. Do not leave stubs, which can die off later and harbor diseases. Cut off all diseased, weak and dead wood. Prune in late winter; do not prune from January to March. Apricot and Peach relatives should not be pruned when freezing temperatures could damage 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. In order to increase your chances of a bountiful harvest, make sure to provide 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?
Apricot trees are not self-pollinating, meaning that they require pollen from another apricot tree in order to produce 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! While most apricot varieties are self-fertile, meaning they can set fruit without a pollination partner, some do require cross-pollination 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.