Hi, I recently acquired an apple tree. Previous owner doesn't recall variety. Previous owner didn't plant a pollinator, so surprise - no fruit. I am looking to plant a second tree as a pollinator, so ... I have attached photos. If there is any other information I can gather that will help, please let me know. Thanks, Scott
And therein lies the problem. Perhaps you could try a little backyard science experiment? Manually pollinate different branches of flowers with pollen from a selection of flowers of known varieties, document it all and figure out which works best. If possible, try to get flowers from a known good pollinator, like Hyslop crabapple. The only question is where to get flowers, but perhaps there is a local Ag station, or a neighbour, or community garden nearby? With permission, of course.
Where you are I'd plant either a Red Delicious or a Granny Smith or both to be your pollinizer. There is a UC Experimental Station in Riverside, right next to the college - UC Riverside, that specializes in Citrus research. I don't think they are growing Apples there though. You may want to check sometime with the Riverside County Farm Advisors office. http://ceriverside.ucdavis.edu Jim
