Knowledgebase

Apple Tree Cross Pollination #842303

Asked July 24, 2023, 12:14 PM EDT

Hello, I live near Sandstone MN, Zone 3b-4a, and I want to grow two apple trees. I want to plant one being the dwarf Honeycrisp, and the second one being more of a pie apple variety. Looking for a recommendation on what to cross pollinate it with that would also have a dwarf/semi-dwarf variety. Thanks

Pine County Minnesota

Expert Response

Mark, excellent question and one that does get asked a lot so I am copying a really good answer here for you.

Most apple trees sold today are on dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstock. This is because they fruit earlier and don’t require high ladders for harvesting in orchards. 

https://mnhardy.umn.edu/honeycrisp

https://mnhardy.umn.edu/apples/varieties

Pick an apple that flowers at the same time and also one that is ready to harvest at the same time as Honeycrisp will probably flower at the same time. If there is a crab apple tree close by as in a neighbor’s yard it usually pollinates nearby apple trees.
Please check the link provided and the table of apples and their characteristics.
Be sure to support pollinators all season long so they are available when needed.
Here are some recommended zone 4 pollinators for Honeycrisp apple trees:

  1. Haralred: Haralred is an excellent pollinator for Honeycrisp apples. It is a cold-hardy apple tree that blooms around the same time, making it a reliable companion for pollination.
  2. McIntosh: McIntosh apple trees are another suitable choice for pollinating Honeycrisp. They typically bloom in early to mid-spring, and their flowering period can overlap with that of Honeycrisp.
  3. Cortland: Cortland apple trees are known to be good pollinators for many apple varieties, including Honeycrisp. They bloom around the same time and can effectively cross-pollinate with Honeycrisp trees.
  4. Beacon: Beacon apple trees are cold-hardy and bloom in mid to late spring, making them a potential pollinator for Honeycrisp apple trees in zone 4.
  5. Sweet Sixteen: Sweet Sixteen apple trees can serve as pollinators for Honeycrisp. They produce pinkish-red apples and have a similar flowering time, which makes them a suitable choice for cross-pollination.

It's important to plant at least one or two of these pollinators within close proximity to your Honeycrisp apple tree to ensure sufficient cross-pollination. Bees and other pollinating insects play a crucial role in transferring pollen between the trees, so it's also beneficial to create an environment that attracts and supports pollinators, such as providing flowering plants and avoiding excessive use of pesticides.
Remember, proper orchard management, including adequate spacing, tree health, and maintaining a diverse pollinator population, will enhance the chances of successful pollination and maximize fruit production for your Honeycrisp apple trees in zone 4.

From Southgate Magazine

Many apple trees that produce fruit for eating match and overlap Honeycrisp's bloom times through a wide range of hardiness and chilling zones. Among them, "Fuji" apple (Malus domestica "Fuji") requires just 350 to 400 chill hours while "Golden Delicious" needs 600 to 700 chill hours. At 900 required chill hours, "Red Delicious" (Malus x domestica "Red Delicious") also pollinates Honeycrisp well. All three varieties are hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9.

Ornamental crabapples such as "Snowdrift" (Malus x "Snowdrift"), hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8, are excellent pollinators for Honeycrisp and other apple trees that produce fruit for eating. Many commercial apple growers turn to crabapple pollinators because they have extended bloom periods and abundant pollen.



Deb Reierson Replied July 25, 2023, 5:06 PM EDT

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