Apple trees are actually self-sterile, which is a fancy way of saying they can’t do all the work on their own! For a successful harvest, you generally need at least two different varieties growing nearby to help with cross-pollination. Ideally, your apple tree needs a “pollen donor” of a different variety within about 80 feet (25 meters) to get the job done.
Are Apple Trees Self-Pollinating?
Since apple trees aren’t self-pollinators, they rely on pollen from a different apple variety to produce fruit. Without this cross-pollination, you’ll get plenty of beautiful blossoms but no actual apples to snack on. For the magic to happen, pollination must occur using pollen from a compatible neighbor.
Why Apple Trees Need a Partner
Because apple trees are cross-pollinators, you should always keep a “buddy system” in mind when planting. To ensure you actually have a harvest to pick later, make sure there’s another apple tree nearby that works as a pollinator. This partner tree can be in your own yard or even a neighbor’s garden, as long as it’s within 80 feet—though closer is always better! Just keep in mind that not every variety is a match for every tree, so definitely check which trees are compatible before you buy.
Multi-Grafted Trees: Two Varieties, One Tree
If you’re short on space, “multi-variety” or multi-grafted trees are a total game-changer. These are trees where two or more different varieties have been grafted onto a single trunk. Many nurseries offer these so you can harvest different types of apples all season long from one spot. For this to work for pollination, the different varieties on the tree need to bloom at the same time, so it’s a good idea to chat with a pro at the nursery first. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try adding a second variety to your existing tree yourself using a grafting technique with a scion wood.
Quick Gardening Tip
If you’re waiting for a second tree to grow, you can give the pollination process a little boost manually. Just take a bucket of water, put some flowering branches from a compatible pollinator tree in it, and hang the bucket right in the branches of your tree. It’s not a permanent fix, but it’s a great way to help things along until your second apple variety is established in the garden!