Apple & Pear Varieties - Ask Extension
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 coup...
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
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