As spring approaches, it’s time to think about planting fruit trees in your yard. What better fruit tree than an apple tree? Apple trees are a classic addition to any garden, providing fresh and delicious fruit year after year. Accordingly, at Flowerland, we offer a variety of apple trees in-store so you can easily pick up the perfect apple tree for your garden. If you’re wondering which variety to choose, here is our guide to Apple Tree Varieties & Pollinators.
When choosing apple fruit trees for your garden or orchard, it’s important to keep their pollination requirements in mind. Planting compatible pollinators nearby can boost the fruit yield. Therefore, it’s essential to know the pollinators for each type of apple tree. Some require self-pollination, while others need cross-pollination. Also, it’s crucial to have a good variety of compatible pollinators in your garden to ensure the best possible yield. Additionally, it’s important to consider the different taste and texture of each apple variety.
Empire Apple
For instance, the Empire apple is a cross between the McIntosh and Red Delicious varieties. These apples are firm, juicy, and have a slightly tart taste. They are perfect for eating fresh, baking, and making cider. Because the Empire apple tree is self-sterile, it needs another apple tree for pollination. Good pollinators include Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, and Jonathan apple trees.
Gala Apple
On the other hand, the Gala apple is a popular variety that is great for eating fresh or in salads. They have a sweet and slightly tart taste, and a firm texture. The Gala apple tree is self-fertile, meaning it can pollinate itself or another apple tree of a different variety. However, cross-pollination can lead to a higher yield of fruit.
Honeycrisp
The Honeycrisp apple is known for its juicy, sweet and crunchy texture. It’s great for eating fresh, in salads, or baking. The Honeycrisp apple tree is a hardy and productive tree that needs another apple tree for pollination. Good pollinators include McIntosh, Empire, and Red Delicious.
Jonagold
The Jonagold apple is a cross between the Jonathan and Golden Delicious varieties. They have a crisp, juicy texture and a sweet, tangy flavor. Jonagold apples are great for eating fresh, baking, and making cider. The Jonagold apple tree is self-sterile, meaning it needs another apple tree for pollination. Good pollinators include Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Braeburn.
Red Delicious and Golden Delicious
While the Red Delicious apple is a classic variety with a mild, sweet taste and a firm texture, it benefits from cross-pollination. Good pollinators include Honeycrisp, Gala, and Golden Delicious. Similarly, the Golden Delicious apple is a versatile variety that is great for eating fresh, baking, and making cider. They have a sweet and slightly tart taste and a firm texture. The Golden Delicious apple tree is self-fertile but benefits from cross-pollination. Good pollinators include Red Delicious, Jonathan, and Honeycrisp.
Macintosh
The Macintosh apple is a classic variety with a sweet and slightly tart taste and a tender texture. They are great for eating fresh or making applesauce. The Macintosh apple tree is self-sterile, meaning it needs another apple tree for pollination. Good pollinators include Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, and Jonathan.
With so many varieties to choose from, whether you prefer sweet and juicy apples for fresh eating or tart ones for baking, there’s bound to be an apple tree that suits your needs. Our Apple Tree Varieties & Pollinators Guide below will help you select the perfect option. And the best part is, you can find all these varieties and more at Flowerland!
| Apple Variety | Pollinator | Pollinator Varieties |
|---|---|---|
Empire | Yes | Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp |
Gala | Yes | Honeycrisp, Red Delicious |
Honeycrisp | Yes | Empire, Fuji |
Jonagold | Yes | Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp |
Red Delicious | Yes | Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, Jonathan |
Golden Delicious | Yes | Red Delicious, Honeycrisp |
Macintosh | Yes | Honeycrisp, Empire |
Growing apple trees can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. While they do require some maintenance, with proper care and attention, apple trees can produce abundant and delicious fruit for years to come. So why not add a couple to your landscape?
