To get good fruit, plant at least two different varieties. Golden Delicious, Grimes Golden, Jonathan, and Winter Banana are excellent pollen producers. The pollen of Winesap, Spigold, and Mutsu is poor. When planting one of these varieties, plant two other varieties as well. Pollination will occur only if the trees bloom at the same time.
Catalogs list apple trees as early, mid or late bloomers.
If space is limited to one tree, Golden Delicious will produce a fair crop. Site Requirements Fruit trees need to be planted in full sun and well-drained soil. Don't plant trees in areas subject to late frosts. Apples normally bloom in late April to mid-May. Tree Selection Planting distance between trees will depend on type selected.