With apple trees, fruit formation is such that they are self-sterile and always need the pollen of another apple tree for fertilization during the apple blossom. This pollination can be ensured by various measures.

Plan different types of apples in the garden

Since apple trees are self-sterile, neither pollen from the flowers of the same tree nor that from a tree of the exact same cultivar can be used for fertilization. It is therefore a good idea to plant as many different types of apples as possible next to each other in your own garden. You can do without this if there are other apple trees in the neighborhood. For example, while the varieties Boskoop, Jonagold and Jakob Fischer are poorly suited as pollen donors, the following varieties can serve well as pollinators:

  • Berlepsch
  • Alcmene
  • Piros
  • Pinova
  • pilot
  • Rewena
  • Reglindis

Encourage and attract insects for pollination

Since bees, in contrast to many other insects, are flower-continuous, they have a special role in the pollination of fruit plants. However, you should not underestimate flying insects such as bumblebees and wild bees when pollinating your apple trees. You can encourage the presence of these flying insects locally if you create an ideal living and nesting space in your own garden with a so-called insect hotel (€11.33). You also promote the quality of the location and the reproduction of your apple trees if you use suitable flowering plants to ensure a large supply of nectar and pollen in the garden all year round.

Use a soft brush for pollination yourself

In some areas of Asian countries, due to the eradication of various insect species, it is already necessary for apple farmers to pollinate their trees by hand with a brush and apple pollen. If you only have one apple tree in your yard, or if you only see a few flying insects, it might be worth trying hand pollination. Identify your own apple varieties and get a branch of another variety when the apple blossoms. Then, using a soft brush, transfer the pollen from that branch to the pistils of your apple tree.

tips and tricks

If there is enough space in the garden, it is always advisable to combine several varieties for ideal pollination and a longer harvest time. In the case of trellis trees in particular, the alternating arrangement of different varieties can also be easily implemented in a limited space.

Category:

Trees