However, a fungicide spray program is usually not practical. Careful variety selection is essential to avoid frost or freeze problems and to allow a long enough season for maturation. Pollination is not required for fruit set but is recommended. No serious disease problems. If nonastringent varieties are planted, fruit may not be suitable for eating until they are fully mature and their flesh is soft.
Some varieties are self-fruitful, but planting two varieties is recommended.
A multipurpose fungicide-insecticide spray program will be needed during the growing season. Later blooming varieties should be selected to avoid damaging spring temperatures. Pollination requirements for apples vary with variety. For varieties requiring cross-pollination, it is recommended that at least two varieties with overlapping bloom periods be planted together. For self-fruitful varieties, pollination by another variety will increase yield and quality.