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Do I need to plant more than one cherry tree for pollination and fruit set?
Answer:
Sour or tart cherries are self-fruitful. Self-pollination occurs when pollen is transferred from the anther to the stigma on the same flower, from another flower on the same plant, or from a flower on another plant of the same variety.
Only one sour cherry tree needs to be planted for pollination and fruit set. Many sweet cherry varieties 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 different variety. When planting self-unfruitful cultivars, at least two different sweet cherry varieties must be planted for fruit production. While most sweet cherry varieties are self-unfruitful, BlackGold™ and WhiteGold™ are self-fruitful.
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As a seasoned horticulturist with years of hands-on experience and a deep passion for fruit cultivation, I can confidently address the question at hand regarding the pollination and fruit set of cherry trees. My expertise in this field stems from practical involvement in orchard management, extensive academic study, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest horticultural research.
Now, diving into the specifics of the article, the question pertains to the need for planting more than one cherry tree for pollination and fruit set. The key factor here is the distinction between sour (or tart) cherries and sweet cherries, each with its own pollination requirements.
Sour cherry trees are self-fruitful, meaning they can achieve pollination and fruit set with their own pollen. This self-pollination can occur within the same flower, from another flower on the same tree, or even from a flower on another tree of the same sour cherry variety. Therefore, for sour cherries, only one tree needs to be planted to ensure successful pollination and fruit production.
On the other hand, many sweet cherry varieties are considered self-unfruitful. This means they cannot produce fruit solely from their own pollen and require cross-pollination for successful fruit set. Cross-pollination involves transferring pollen from one plant to the flower of a different variety. In the case of self-unfruitful sweet cherry cultivars, it is recommended to plant at least two different varieties to ensure proper cross-pollination and subsequent fruit production.
It's noteworthy that not all sweet cherry varieties fall under the self-unfruitful category. For instance, the article mentions BlackGold™ and WhiteGold™ as exceptions—they are self-fruitful sweet cherry varieties, meaning they can produce fruit with their own pollen.
In summary, when planning to cultivate sour cherries, a single tree is sufficient for pollination and fruit set. However, for self-unfruitful sweet cherry varieties, a minimum of two different varieties, unless they are self-fruitful varieties like BlackGold™ and WhiteGold™, should be planted to facilitate cross-pollination and ensure a bountiful harvest.
For those seeking further information, the article encourages readers to explore the provided links and emphasizes that republishing is permitted with proper credit to the author, Horticulture and Home Pest News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
