Question
Hi, We live in the Sunset and have a Gravenstein apple tree that usually gives us a great supply of apples. Last year our neighbor's apple tree died. This year we got very few blooms. I understand that Gravenstein trees need another apple tree in the vicinity to fruit. Is this true? Do I have to plant another apple tree or is there another way around this to make my tree happy. Thanks.
Rita
San Francisco
Answer
Yes, the Gravenstein apple does require a pollinator. You will need to provide another early blooming apple or crabapple at most 50 feet away. Apple varieties that may work are Gala and Yellow Transparent. Crabapples would be Profusion, Spring Snow and Louisa. The crabapple is probably the best choice because Gravenstein is a triploid apple variety, meaning that, it is essentially sterile. It is incapable of returning the pollination favor to the second apple tree! Gravensteins in the orchard setting have been grafted with "pollinator arms". Grafting is intimidating but can be accomplished successfully with a little research.
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