Fruity Nutty 5 – Additional Resources Packet
Helpful Tips
Factors to Consider when Selecting Fruit Trees, by horticulturist Michaela Molter
When selecting which fruit trees and shrubs you want for your orchard, always consider whether
the type of fruit tree cultivar will require a companion for fertilization and fruit production.
Many plant species have adapted themselves to be self-sterile. This simply means that the
pollen they produce and that is found in their flowers will not fertilize the necessary parts of that
same cultivar for fruit production. That does not mean that the pollen itself is sterile, in fact, it
is highly viable and will easily fertilize the flowers of a different cultivar.
What is a cultivar? A cultivar is plant that is genetically different than its natural “wild” parent.
This process is typically achieved through breeding. The Cortland Apple and Red Regent Apple
are two examples of different apple cultivars. Apple trees require pollen from a different apple
cultivar for fruit production. Therefore, if you plant a Cortland Apple be sure to plant a different
cultivar so you have a crop. Aside from noting what cultivars you want based on their fruit’s
tasty qualities, you should also learn what time of year the cultivars bloom. Flowering time is
crucial for fertilization. A pear cultivar that blooms in early March will not be compatible with a
pear cultivar that blooms in late May. Each cultivar should bloom at the same time, early April
and early April or late May and late May.
Lastly, some plant species have male and female plants. The Hardy Kiwi Vine is a perfect
example of a plant that has a male vine and a female vine. For fruit production, you must have
both a male and female plant present. See the chart below for the different species and whether
they require a companion (pollinizer) or not for fruit production.
Plant Spacing
Before selecting which types of fruit trees and shrubs you would like to plant, measure out how
much space you have available. The size space will determine the number of plants you can
have, and ultimately which types of fruit trees, considering some will need companion plants.
The size of fruit trees is determined by the rootstock that it has been grafted onto. Most apple,
pear, plum, peach, apricot, and cherry trees are grafted onto a semi-dwarf rootstock and will
grow to be 12-15ft tall and 12-15ft wide. If space is limited or the plant requires a structure for
support (kiwis and grapes) remember to factor the overall size of the structure into your
available space. The structure may give you more available planting space or less depending on
its style and function. Shrubs and brambles are not grafted onto a rootstock. They grow on
their own roots and mature plant size depends on the species.
Your next question may be how close does a companion (pollinizer) plant need to be spaced for
adequate fertilization? Most tree and shrub plants that require a companion should be planted
anywhere from 20-50ft away from each other. You have to allow enough growth space between
the two plants for maximum plant size, but they have to be close enough for the bees and other
pollinators to find your tree or shrubs. Your neighbor could plant the pollinizer plant, as long as
it is within 50 feet. Vining plants should typically be planted 5-10ft apart depending on the
species or cultivar.
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Fruity Nutty 5 – Additional Resources Packet
Pollinizer Chart
Apples
Pears
Plums (European)
Requires a companion (pollinizer). Some varieties are pollen sterile
and will not pollinize other apples.
Requires a companion (pollinizer).
Self-fertile, but planting a companion plant will increase production.
Peaches
Self-fertile
Apricots
Self-fertile
Cherries
Requires a companion (pollinizer), except Montmorency, Stella, and
North Star.
Grapes
Self-fertile.
PawPaws
Requires a companion (pollinizer).
Berries, Brambles, and
Currants
Most berries are self-fertile. Plant two or more varieties (companion
plant) of blueberry for significantly more fruit production.
Nuts
Most have increased crop production if a 2nd plant is planted as well.
Kiwi Vine
Apples
Pears
Plums (European)
Require a female or male companion.
Requires a companion (pollinizer). Some varieties are pollen sterile
and will not pollinize other apples.
Requires a companion (pollinizer).
Self-fertile, but planting a companion plant will increase production.
Peaches
Self-fertile
Apricots
Self-fertile
Cherries
Requires a companion (pollinizer), except Montmorency, Stella, and
North Star.
Grapes
Self-fertile.
PawPaws
Requires a companion (pollinizer).
Berries, Brambles, and
Currants
Most berries are self-fertile. Plant two or more varieties (companion
plant) of blueberry for significantly more fruit production.
Nuts
Most have increased crop production if a 2nd plant is planted as well.
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Fruity Nutty 5 – Additional Resources Packet
Tree Guide
Below you will find a list of all the trees you will be able to select from. This list is subject to change
depending on the nursery’s availability, but we will let you know if any changes occur.
Cortland Apple (Malus ‘Cortland’):
Mature Height= 15-20’
Sun Requirements= Full Sun
Harvest Period= Sept- Oct.
Bloom Period= mid April
Uses= Eating fresh, in salads, cooking, breads, pies and sauces
Notes-Sweet and tart taste. No pollinator required.
Red Regent Apple (Malus ‘Red Regent’):
Mature Height= 15-20’
Sun Requirements= Full Sun
Bloom Period= mid-April
Uses= Fresh eating and cooking
Harvest Period= early Oct
Notes- Taste is an outstanding balance of sweet and tart. Good storage life.
POLLINATOR IS REQUIRED
Milwaukee Apple (
Mature Height= 7-9’
Sun Requirements=Full Sun
Bloom Period=mid-April
Uses=Cooking or cider
Harvest Period=October
Notes- Yellow, red-striped apple. Tart flavor good for cooking or cider.
POLLINATOR IS REQUIRED
Bartlett Pear (Pyrus communis ‘Bartlett’):
Mature Height= 12-18’
Sun Requirements= Full Sun
Harvest Period= mid August
Bloom Period= mid April
Uses= Fresh eating and also used in pies, preserves, tarts
Notes-Beautiful tree with exceptional fruit. Ample harvest. No pollinator required.
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Summercrisp Pear (Pyrus ‘Summercrisp’):
Mature Height= 15-20’
Sun Requirements= Full Sun
Harvest Period= August
Bloom Period= May
Uses= Fresh eating (can keep up to two months)
Notes-Hardy tree. POLLINATOR REQUIRED
North Star Pie Cherry (Prunus cerasus ‘North Star’):
Mature Height= 10-12’
Sun Requirements= Full Sun
Harvest Period= August
Bloom Period= April
preserving
Uses= Pies, sauces and baked goods as well as fresh eating and
Notes- No pollinator required
American Hazelnut (Corylus americana):
Mature Height= 5-12’
Sun Requirements= Full Sun- light shade
Harvest Period=Sept
Bloom Period= March-April
Uses= many uses from fresh eating to making flour, roasting, baking
Notes-Needs two plants for pollination
Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovate):
Mature Height= 80-90’
Sun Requirements= Full Sun- Partial Shade Harvest Period= Fall
Bloom Period= April
Uses= Many uses from fresh eating to using the wood for smoking
Notes-Very adaptable to WI soils. Bears fruit at 20-25 years. Provides much material for mulching and
composting but are somewhat “messy”
Reliance Peach (Prunus ‘Reliance’):
Mature Height= up to 20’
Sun Requirements= Full Sun
Bloom Period= April
Uses= Fresh eating to baking and preserving
Notes-No pollinator required.
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Harvest Period= August
Fruity Nutty 5 – Additional Resources Packet
Mount Royal Dwarf Plum (Prunus ‘Mount Royal’):
Mature Height= 10’
Sun Requirements= Full Sun
Harvest Period= August
(Mount Royal Dwarf Plum (Continued)):
Bloom Period= April
Uses= Fresh eating, cooking, baking, jams, jellies, sauces, etc.
Notes- Great eaten right off the tree!
Concord Grape (Vitus labrusca ‘Concord’):
Vine 25’ long
Sun Requirements= Full Sun
Harvest Period= When the grapes are sweetest they are ready. Earlier for wine to increase the acid
content.
Uses= Wine, fresh eating, jellies, juices, jams, etc. Great-tasting grape.
Notes-Grapes are finicky about soil. If the soil is too good the grapes will be fewer (soil amending may be
important). Needs a trellis or fence for climbing.
Arctic Kiwi (Actinidia arguta):
Length= 25’ long
Sun Requirements= Full Sun- Partial Shade
Harvest Period= August
Bloom Period= April
Uses= Fresh eating, can be a barrier it makes a great privacy screen
Notes-Grape-sized fruits. Dense clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring. Needs a sturdy trellis or fence
to climb.
POLLINATOR REQUIRED!
American Elderberry (Sambucas canadensis):
Mature Height= 10-15’
Sun Requirements= Full Sun- Partial Shade
Harvest Period- Late summer-Fall
Bloom Period= Summer
Uses= Good wildlife attracter (Butterflies and bees)
Notes- Native. No pollinator needed. Berries can eaten if cooked but all parts of the plant can cause
discomfort if eaten especially to excess.
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Running Serviceberry (Arborea spp.):
Mature Height= 25’
Sun Requirements= Full Sun- Shade
Harvest Period= Summer into fall this plant bears fruit.
Bloom Period= mid spring
Uses= Animal attracter (all kinds from birds to foxes), fresh eating and used in all types of dishes and
baked goods. The fruits taste similar to a blueberry.
No pollinator required.
Missouri Gooseberry (Ribes missouriense):
Mature Height= 36”
Sun Requirements= Full Sun- Partial Shade
Harvest Period= May-June
Uses= Many uses from Jams to baked goods and juice and fresh eating.
Notes-No pollinator required. Bird attracter
American Currant (Ribes aureum):
Mature Height= 36’
Sun Requirements= Full Sun- Partial Shade
Harvest Period=
Uses= Fresh eating, and versatile in its uses. From juice to jams and jellies and dried.
Notes- Easy-care fruit-bearing bush or hedge, with fruit that is much-loved in Europe for fresh eating,
jellies, and drinks. A beautiful plant with maple-like leaves and grape-like cascades of dark, rich berries.
Makes a beautiful, productive background or screen, and will produce well in shaded conditions. Leaves
used by herbalists to combat stress, and fruit has more vitamin C than citrus. Seeds rich in omega-3.
Chester Blackberries (Rubus fruticosas ‘Chester’):
Mature Height= 4’
Sun Requirements= Full Sun
Harvest Period= August-Sept
Uses= Fresh eating, pies, jams, jellies, preserves, juice, etc
Notes-No pollinator required.
Paw Paw (Asimina triloba):
Mature Height= 30’
Sun Requirements= Full Sun- Partial Shade
Harvest Period= Sept.
Bloom Period= Mid- Spring
Uses= Pawpaw is an excellent food source. It exceeds apple, peach, and
grape in most vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and food energy value. Pawpaw fruits are best eaten fresh
when fully ripe. The intense tropical flavor and aroma may also be useful for developing processed food
products (blended fruit drinks, baby food, ice creams, etc.). The Pawpaws easily substitute in equal part
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Fruity Nutty 5 – Additional Resources Packet
for banana in most recipes Pawpaw plants produce natural compounds (annonaceous acetogenins) in leaf,
bark and twig tissues, that possess both highly anti-tumor and pesticidal properties.
Notes-The high level of natural defense compounds in the tree make it highly resistant to insect/disease
infestation. Need two trees for cross-pollination
Additional Resources
Great Video on backyard fruit trees: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZV2kr50K7Is
Information on fruit and nut cultivars:
http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1751/#b
http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-841/426-841.html
http://westonnurseries.com/fruit-tree-guidelines/
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