Does an Adams Crabapple Tree Need Cross Pollinator?

Does an Adams Crabapple Tree Need Cross Pollinator?

Hundreds of varieties of crabapples are developed for their lovely spring blooms, brilliant fruit or fall color. The Adams crabapple (Malus “Adams”) is among the best all-season crabapples. The leaf is red when it emerges, turns green in the summertime, then red orange in the autumn. The flowers are single and pink. The tree is bigger than many crabapples and is resistant to fireblight and other diseases which are widespread in crabapples.

Adams Crabapple Growing Conditions

Adams crabapple grows in United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. It has a wide, curved form, growing 15 to 20 feet tall and wide. Plant the Adams crabapple in full sun in well-drained, acidic loam soil, either as a specimen or in small groups. It requires a moderate quantity of moisture, about 20 inches or more per year of irrigation and/or rainfall. Prune in late winter as needed to keep its shape.

Cross-Pollination

According to the University of Missouri Cooperative Extension Service, cross-pollination is the transfer of pollen between distinct species or varieties. Many apple varieties will need to be pollinated by another variety of apple to be able to set fruit. Crabapples, however, are bred for their flowers. Some varieties are sterile and don’t set fruit no matter what pollen can be acquired, but the Adams crabapple is self-fertile. Adams crabapple flowers set fruit when they are pollinated by other blooms of the exact same tree.

Adams Crabapple as a Pollinator

Crabapples are frequently used to pollinate fruiting apple trees, The Adams crabapple is a mid- to late-season bloomer and can be used to pollinate Granny Smith, Crispin, Fuji, Braeburn, Pristine, York and Enterprise apples. The flowers are insect pollinated, so bees should be present to carry pollen from one to the other. The trees must be planted within 50 feet of each other.

Adams Crabapple Fruit

The fruit of many crabapples falls off the tree in autumn and has to be raked up and removed. Adams crabapple fruit stays on the tree all winter, attracting birds, squirrels and other small creatures which are looking for some thing to eat when food is scarce. The fruit is about a half-inch in diameter, bright red and rich. It is not poisonous but not particularly great for human consumption because of the small dimensions and tart flavor.

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