Many plants cannot produce fruit from their own pollen and are considered self-unfruitful. These plants require cross-pollination for fruit set. Cross-pollination is the transfer of pollen from one plant to the flower of a genetically different plant or variety. Pollination is an important factor when selecting and planting tree and small fruits. A list of pollination requirements for the various fruits is presented below.
Most apples are self-unfruitful.
A few varieties, such as Jonathan and Golden Delicious, set a good crop without cross- pollination. Generally, however, plant at least two different varieties for maximum production. Few apricot varieties are reliably hardy in Iowa. Moongold and Sungold are hardy and self-unfruitful. Plant at least one of each for proper pollination.