Are Apricot Trees Self Pollinating? A Guide to Apricot Tree Pollination
Many home gardeners interested in growing apricot trees often wonder – are apricot trees self pollinating? The answer is.it depends! While most apricot varieties are self-fertile, meaning they can set fruit without a pollination partner, some do require cross-pollination to produce a good harvest. Even self-pollinating apricot trees will benefit from increased pollination and fruit set if another variety is nearby. Understanding apricot tree pollination will help you plan your home orchard for the best chance of success.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about apricot tree pollination
- Are apricots self-pollinating or do they need cross-pollination?
- How exactly are apricot trees pollinated?
- What affects pollination – weather, climate, blooming times?
- Which apricot tree varieties need a pollination partner?
- How far apart to plant apricot pollinators.
- Can apricots be hand pollinated?
- Tips for encouraging natural pollinators.
- Common causes of poor apricot pollination.
The majority of apricot varieties are self-fertile, meaning they can pollinate themselves and set fruit without the presence of another variety nearby. However, almost all apricots will have an improved crop with increased fruit set if cross-pollinated by another variety.
There are a few apricot varieties that are self-sterile or only partially self-fertile. These do require a suitable pollination partner within 50 feet or so for successful pollination and fruiting.
- Most apricots are self-fertile but benefit from cross-pollination.
- A few apricot varieties are self-sterile and must be cross-pollinated.
- Any two apricot trees can pollinate each other if blooming at the same time.
How Are Apricot Trees Pollinated?
Understanding the basics of how apricot flowers are pollinated will help you support the process in your own garden. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Apricot trees bloom very early in spring, as soon as winter dormancy ends.
- The blossoms contain both male and female reproductive parts.
- Bees and other insects transfer pollen from flower to flower.
- Pollen fertilizes the ovary and fruit begins to develop.
- Apricot blooms are only receptive for 1-2 days when fully opened.
Timing is critical – the flowers must be open at the same time as pollinators are active. Cool, wet spring weather can inhibit pollination by reducing pollinator activity.
Apricot trees are not very appealing to bees due to low nectar, so surrounding flowers can help draw pollinators into your orchard.
What Affects Apricot Pollination?
Successful pollination relies heavily on the weather and climate during the apricot blooming period. Here are some factors that can prevent or reduce pollination:
- Late frost – Damages tender blossoms once opened.
- Excessive rain or wind – Keeps bees in the hive.
- Prolonged cold weather – Bees avoid flying in temperatures under 55°F.
- Unseasonable heat – Causes poor nectar quality and short bloom period.
- Pesticide application – Toxic to pollinating insects.
Fortunately, there are also things you can do to encourage natural apricot pollination in your orchard:
- Plant bee-attracting flowers nearby.
- Install a hummingbird feeder in bloom season.
- Avoid blooming weeds under the tree canopy.
- Consider hand pollination as a last resort.
Apricot Varieties Requiring Cross-Pollination
While most apricots are self-fertile, the following varieties are partially self-sterile or completely self-sterile. These should be planted within 50 feet of a suitable pollination partner:
- Harlayne – Pollinators: Harcot, Hargrand, Harogem
- Rival – Pollinators: Goldrich, Perfection, Moorpark
- Vivagold – Pollinator: Goldcot
- Perfection – Pollinators: Goldcot, Robada, Rival
- Orange Red – Pollinators: Robada, Tomcot
- Bebeco (partially self-fertile)
- Wonder Cot – Pollinators: Tomcot, Magic Cot, Lilly Cot
- Sungold – Pollinators: Moorpark, Moongold, Debbie’s Gold
- Tomcot (partially self-fertile) – Pollinators: Golden Sweet, Orange Red
- Goldbar (partially self-fertile) – Pollinator: Goldstrike
- Goldrich – Pollinators: Moorpark, Rival
When selecting pollination partners, choose varieties that bloom at the same time but ripen at different times to extend your harvest. Consult with local nurseries for the best pollinator matches in your climate.
Can You Hand Pollinate Apricot Blossoms?
Manual hand pollination can be done as a last resort if bad weather is preventing natural pollination. Use a small soft paintbrush to gently sweep pollen from one flower to another. Avoid damaging the delicate blooms.
Only manually pollinate if essential, as natural pollination has a much higher success rate. Hand pollination apricot blossoms is tricky work!
In Conclusion
Understanding the pollination requirements of the apricot varieties you select will set your orchard up for success. For most gardeners, a single self-pollinating apricot tree will provide a decent harvest. But planting a second variety nearby as a pollination partner will take your crop to the next level.
Q&A – Will my apricot tree ever bear fruit?
FAQ
Do you need 2 apricot trees to produce fruit?
What is the best pollinator for apricot trees?
How long does it take for an apricot tree to produce fruit?
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Fruit Tree Type
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Years to Bear
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Apricot Trees
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2-5 years
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Avacado Trees
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3-4 years
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Banana Plants
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2-3 years
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Sour Cherry Trees
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3-5 years
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Do apricots need to be planted in pairs?
Are apricot trees self pollinated?
Apricot trees are typically self-fertile, so they can be pollinated from flowers on the same tree. There are a few exceptions that do need cross-pollination by another apricot cultivar. However, even self-pollinating apricot trees will have increased fruit set and less fruit drop with a pollination partner nearby.
Are apricot trees pollinated by bees?
However, even self-pollinating apricot trees will have increased fruit set and less fruit drop with a pollination partner nearby. Apricot blossoms are typically pollinated by bees.
Are apricots self-pollinating?
Apricots are indeed self-pollinating, with many varieties capable of setting fruit without the need for a different apricot tree nearby. However, while apricots possess this ability, they can certainly benefit from some helping hands—literally. In areas with little insect activity or bad weather, hand-pollination ensures a plentiful harvest.
Are apricot trees pollinator friendly?
Bees are the primary pollinators for most fruit trees, including apricot trees. Creating a pollinator-friendly environment in the garden is essential to attract these beneficial insects. Avoiding pesticides and providing diverse flowering plants throughout the growing season can help ensure an ample supply of bees for effective pollination.
Do apricot trees produce fruit?
Pollination – First of all, if you have an apricot tree not producing any fruit, you should consider whether you have one tree or more. Although apricot trees are considered self-fruiting, sometimes it’s best to have more than one tree for pollination purposes.
Why is hand pollination important for apricot trees?
One key reason why hand-pollination is vital for apricot plants is their relatively low rate of self-fertility. Factors such as limited pollinator activity, adverse weather conditions, or a lack of nearby apricot trees can hinder natural pollination.