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Self-fertile apple tree?

msqingxiaomsqingxiao Posts: 482
in Fruit & veg
Hi all, I ordered a patio apple tree Jonagold from Marshalls where it is advertised as being self-fertile (https://marshallsgarden.com/products/patio-apple-tree-jonagold-2l-10709416). When I was looking up the species on other websites I realised that it's not self-fertile. So I contacted Marshalls, and they offer to swap it for Golden Delicious or Cox’s Orange Pippin.

Now the problem is, when I look up those two varieties, Cox’s Orange Pippin is not self-fertile either, and Golden Delicious is said to be only partially self-fertile. Is there any variety of apple trees that is self-fertile please?

Also, when I looked up pollinator companions for Jonagold on this website (https://www.orangepippintrees.com/pollinationchecker.aspx) a few days ago, Crabapple Evereste did show up as one, but now it's not showing up any more (maybe they don't have it in stock anymore??). Does anyone know if Crabapple Evereste can pollinate Jonagold please? I do have the Crabapple in my garden.

Thanks a lot!

Posts

  • thevictorianthevictorian Posts: 1,279
    I think for a good crop you need two other apples or a known self fertile species to help pollinate jonagold as it's a triploid apple, so a poor pollinator itself.

    Evereste should work, crab apples in general are good because they have a long flowering season so make good partners for many species. I don't know if it would do the job on its own though. It might also not be a problem if someone else has an apple nearby. 
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    I'd be amazed if there wasn't a suitable pollination partner, or several, within a mile radius of your tree. Bees travel far and wide for apple blossom so you don't necessarily need additional trees in your garden.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • msqingxiaomsqingxiao Posts: 482
    Thanks for the comments! We've decided to ask them to swap it for an Elstar, as Cox is said to be difficult to grow, while Golden Delicious is not an eating apple. I saw that Elstar is not self-fertile either, but hopefully the crabapple can do the job, and maybe neighbouring trees as well. I've not seen any apple trees on my street, but there are a few near the train station which is around half a mile away.
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    Honestly every supermarket in the land has been selling cheap apple trees for several years now and quite a few councils have been planting them in community schemes and schools. There will be more hidden around your neighbourhood than you think. Back gardens, allotments, parks, and almost every railway and road has feral apple trees growing along them where people have thrown apple cores from vehicle windows over the years.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
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