Fruit trees and cross-pollination

While growing fruit trees is a hobby even a novice gardener can succeed at, it’s important to know which trees you can plant individually that will fruit, and which require a mate for cross-pollination.

Self-sterile versus self-fertile fruit trees

There’s no ’one-size-fits-all’ scenario when it comes to fruit trees being either self-sterile or self-fertile: each type has varieties that can self-pollinate, and others requiring assistance to bear fruit.

Pear trees

Pear trees are a popular choice for the garden,, and , can self-pollinate and will crop well in the lowveld. If you’re planting the pear tree, ensure that the variety is planted nearby to act as a pollinator.