Plum Tree Pollinator - Ask Extension
I want to plant a couple of plum trees. Black Ice has been recommended and the only pollinator suggested is Toka variety but does not seem to be high...
Knowledgebase
Plum Tree Pollinator #742856
Asked April 06, 2021, 4:53 PM EDT
I want to plant a couple of plum trees. Black Ice has been recommended and the only pollinator suggested is Toka variety but does not seem to be highly rated for eating. I was wondering if Alderman or Superior variety plum trees would act as pollinators for a Black Ice plum tree? Would we get fruit on the trees if we only planted a Black Ice plum and a Superior plum tree? Do I need to plant a Toka plum tree if I want plums on a black ice and superior plum?
Dakota County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for writing.
Pollination is complicated because the cross fertilizing flowers have to be open at the same time as the pollinating vector is working.
There are several partners for Alderman https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-stone-fruits-home-garden#plums-682262
But I can not find a way to pollinate Blackice with an alderman. BlackIce will go with Americana or Nigra
There is a easily found site that suggests that Toka is the only pollinator partner but I cannot identify the source of that information. In general, we give a strong preference to university or horticulture centers. I hope that this helps.
