There are two types of pollination, self-pollination and cross-pollination. Self-pollinating plants do not require another plant to develop fruit because the pollen from these plants can pollinate its own flowers. Conversely, cross-pollinating plants must transfer their pollen to a flower on a different plant to develop fruit. Many species require a second plant that is a different variety, however compatibility to cross-pollinate is unique to each species and variety. Please see below for further information on pollination for specific varieties.

PRUNUS: Cherries, Plums & Apricots

Check Prunus Pollination Chart  to find the appropriate pollinator for your desired tree.

Sour Cherries are self-pollinating. Only one tree is needed.

Apricots are self-pollinating. Only one tree is needed.

Plums and Cherry Plums are primarily cross-pollinating and need a second tree or shrub of a different variety. Make sure the two plants bloom at the same time and that the second tree is within 500 feet (150m). Mount royal plum is an example of a self-pollinating plum that we frequently carry.

If your plum tree is not performing well, there are factors which can impact fruit production. Cold weather during flower production, old age or lack of pollinators can decrease the number of fruit on a plum tree. Plum trees are also biennial bearing. This means that the fruit tree may produce an abundant crop one year and then very little the year after.

PRUNUS BLOOM TIMES

Early Bloomers
Brookgold Plum, Nanking Cherry, Sapalta Cherry-Plum, Compass Cherry-Plum, Pfitsen #5 and Waneta Plum

Mid-Season Bloomers
Convoy Cherry-Plum, Sapa Cherry-Plum, Toka Plum, Manor Cherry-Plum, Opata Cherry-Plum, Tecumsch Plum and Western Sand Cherry

Late Bloomers
Brookred Plum, Pipestone Plum and Pembina Plum

MALUS: Apples

Apples are cross-pollinating and need a second tree of a different variety. Pollination between two trees will occur as long as the second tree is within 500 feet (150m). Crabapples can pollinate apple trees. Although, the spring snow flowering crabapple is sterile and cannot cross-pollinate.

If your apple tree is not performing well, there are factors which can impact fruit production. Cold weather during flower production, old age or lack of pollinators can decrease the number of fruit on an apple tree. Apple trees are also biennial bearing. This means that the fruit tree may produce an abundant crop one year and then very little the year after.

PYRUS:  Pears 

Pears are cross-pollinating and need a second tree of a different variety. Pollination between two trees will occur as long as the second tree is within 500 feet (150m).

If your pear tree is not performing well, there are factors which can impact fruit production. Cold weather during flower production, old age or lack of pollinators can decrease the number of fruit on a pear tree. Pear trees are also biennial bearing. This means that the fruit tree may produce an abundant crop one year and then very little the year after.

VITIS: Grapes 

Grapes are self-pollinating. Only one vine is needed.  Since grapes produce fruit on one-year-old growth, regular pruning is important for a good crop.

VACCINIUM: Blueberries

Blueberries are self-pollinating. Only one shrub is needed, however planting two or more varieties may improve fruit production.

RIBES: Currants & Gooseberries

Currants and gooseberries are both self-pollinating. Only one shrub is needed.

FRAGARIA, RUBUS, LYCIUM & AMELANCHIER: Strawberries, Raspberries, Goji Berries & Saskatoons

Strawberries, raspberries, goji berries and saskatoons are all self-pollinating. Only one plant is needed.

ANTINIDIA: Kiwi Fruit

Kiwis are mostly cross-pollinating and require a male and female plant to produce fruit. One male plant can pollinate up to eight females. Kiwi plants must be 2-3 years old before they will produce fruit.

The Issai kiwi is a self-pollinating variety.

LONICERA: Haskaps

Haskaps are cross-pollinating and need a second shrub of a specific variety to pollinate. Please read below to see which varieties are compatible.

AuroraBerry BlueBlue BelleBoreal BeastBoreal BeautyBoreal BlizzardBorealisCinderellaHoneybeeIndigo GemPolar JewelSugar MountainTundra
AuroraXXXXX
Berry BlueXXXXXXXX
Blue BelleXXX
Boreal BeastXXXX
Boreal BeautyXX
Boreal BlizzardXXXXXX
BorealisXXXXXX
CinderellaXXXX
HoneybeeXXXXXX
Indigo GemXXXXX
Polar JewelXXXX
Sugar MountainXXX
TundraXXXX

MORE INFORMATION

Pollination – Bron & Sons