Arkansas Black apple trees, like most apple varieties, require cross-pollination from another apple tree in order to produce fruit. While some apple trees are self-fertile, meaning they can pollinate themselves and set fruit without the need for another tree, Arkansas Black is not one of them. Therefore, it is essential to have a compatible pollinator nearby to ensure a successful harvest.
When selecting a pollinator for Arkansas Black apple trees, it is important to consider the bloom time and compatibility of the varieties. Apple trees have different bloom periods, and for successful pollination, the flowering times should overlap. Arkansas Black typically blooms in mid to late spring, so choosing a pollinator that blooms around the same time is crucial.
Two popular apple varieties that are often recommended as pollinators for Arkansas Black are Grimes Golden and Newtown Pippin. Both of these varieties have compatible bloom times and can effectively pollinate Arkansas Black apple trees.
Grimes Golden is an old heirloom apple variety that has a sweet and tangy flavor. It is an excellent pollinator for Arkansas Black and has the added benefit of being a delicious eating apple itself. Newtown Pippin, also known as Albemarle Pippin, is another good choice as a pollinator. It has a tart and aromatic flavor and is known for its excellent storage qualities.
When planting your apple orchard, it is advisable to have at least one pollinator tree for every four to six Arkansas Black trees. This will ensure proper pollination and maximize fruit set. Planting multiple pollinator varieties can also help improve cross-pollination and increase the chances of a successful harvest.
In addition to bloom time and compatibility, it is worth considering the disease resistance of the pollinator varieties. Arkansas Black is resistant to cedar-apple rust, but it is always beneficial to have pollinator trees that are also resistant to common apple diseases like scab and fire blight. Disease-resistant varieties can help protect the overall health of your orchard.
In my personal experience, I have found that having a diverse mix of pollinator trees in my apple orchard has been beneficial. Not only does it increase the chances of successful pollination, but it also provides a variety of flavors and textures in the harvested fruit. It is always exciting to see how different apple varieties complement each other and contribute to the overall quality of the harvest.
To summarize, Arkansas Black apple trees require cross-pollination from another compatible apple variety. Grimes Golden and Newtown Pippin are two popular choices for pollinators. It is important to consider the bloom time, compatibility, and disease resistance of the pollinator trees when planning your apple orchard. Having a diverse mix of pollinator varieties can enhance the overall success and flavor of your harvest.
