How to Pollinate Peach Trees

Most peach trees are self-pollinated and do not require another peach tree variety for pollination. The exception is the J.H. Hale, which needs another variety of peach tree within 100 feet for cross-pollination. Although most varieties are self-pollinated, the trees still need to have pollination in order to bear fruit, which is where nature comes into play.

Things You'll Need

• Flowers
• Beehive

Instructions

1. Examine the peach tree fruit. If the tree does not bear fruit or produces a small crop, you must increase pollination of the peach tree.

2. Plant flowers near the peach trees to attract bees. Flowering plants to use include geraniums, hyacinth, dahlias, sunflowers, marigolds and mums. The plants should be within 50 feet of the peach tree so the bees that come to find the flowers will find the peach tree and pollinate the flowers.

3. Place a beehive within 50 to 100 feet of the peach trees. If you can't plant flowers and there are few bees in the area, one beehive will provide the bees needed to pollinate the peach trees.

References

• Colorado State University Extension; Pollination of Tree Fruit; A. Gaus and H. Larsen; October 2009
• University of Missouri Extension; Horticulture MU Guide; Pollinating Fruit Crops; Michele R. Warmund
• Purdue University Cooperative Extension Serrvice; Pollination of Fruits and Nuts; B. Rosie Lerner and Peter Hirst

Resources

• Bee Garden; A Bee Garden for Attracting Osmia; Karen Strickler