Do You Need Two Fruit Trees?

Many fruit tree, such as apple trees, require two cultivars in order to produce fruit.

Growing fresh fruit for your family can be an enjoyable hobby and a productive addition to your garden. Because fruit requires pollination, before planting a fruit tree, you should learn about the pollination needs of your tree and be sure you're able to meet them.

Cross-Pollination

Pollination occurs when pollen -- which contains sperm cells -- transfers onto female structures, fertilizing the seed and causing fruit to develop. Trees that require cross-pollination need pollen from another cultivar of the fruit in order to produce fruit. Most fruit trees require cross-pollination.

Self-Pollination

A few types of fruit trees can self-pollinate, meaning that pollen from the same cultivar -- even from the same flower -- will produce fruit. However, according to Colorado State University Extension, even self-fertile trees generally produce larger yields if cross-pollinated.

Types

Sour cherries, apricots and peaches are generally self-fertile and will produce fruit with a single tree, while sweet cherries, pears and apples require two trees. It is important to research your fruit trees before planting. Not all cultivars can cross-pollinate, either because of incompatibility or because the blossoms open at different times during the spring. For cross-pollination, compatible trees should be no more than 200 feet apart.

References

• Colorado State University Extension: Pollination of Tree Fruits
• Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service: Pollination of Fruits and Nuts