Knowledgebase

Apple & Pear Varieties #778311

Asked November 24, 2021, 9:32 AM EST

Hello - We have a small hobby farm and we're clearing a sunny spot in the woods to have a small orchard. We'd like to have six apple trees and a couple pear trees. I know we need to have different varieties for better pollination. I've read about Honeycrisp, Haralson and Fireside apples. Would you have any recommendations for varieties that would help pollinate each other and be good for Minnesota locations? Also, any recommendations for two pear varieties that would be hardy here and pollinate each other? Thanks for any help you can provide! We apprecaite it! Rich Westerberg Henderson, MN

Le Sueur County Minnesota

Expert Response

If you plant six apple trees of two or more varieties, there will be sufficient cross pollination.  This note explains why:

https://blog-yard-garden-news.extension.umn.edu/2020/04/ask-extension-will-my-apple-trees-cross.html

Go to the following publication for information about pear varieties suitable for growing in Minnesota.  Parker and Luscious are compatible. Other possibilities are listed.

https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-pears#selecting-plants-667860


An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 24, 2021, 4:21 PM EST

Loading ...