[plum crumble]

just making final choice of fruit trees and would like to know what y'all think of so called self-pollinating apple trees. For example, Suttons are doing a deal at the moment where you get an apple tree, plum, and cherry, plus all necessary stakes and anti-rabbit guards, for £35. A bargain! BUT...........is it? Do I need to buy a second one of each - or at least the apples - to ensure I have a crop? Is it enough that there are other apple trees dotted around the site? Am I better off buying 2 apple trees? I don't want to make an expensive mistake, and have never grown fruit trees before, so am a numpty at it!!
In the words of Penelope Pitstop..."HAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYLP!"

[pushrod]

also consider whether they flower early or late and how that fits in with the likelyhood of frosts in your area. If you go for 2 trees make sure that they both flower at the same time. Also how good they are at keeping eg James greeve(sp) is a fantastic tasting apple straight off the tree, but they don't keep at all :-(

[sunshineband]

What variety is the apple?

[Dan78]

I would also like to know the answer to this... Im pretty sure i will be planting 2 apple trees but 1 pear and 1 of something else.. How do i make sure they will fruit ?

[sunshineband]

You need to know what varieties they are and whether they are self fertile or not.
If not, you need another apple that flowers ate the same time for pollination ... this info is given usually as a 'flowering group'

Look at a supplier like www.kenmuir.co.uk as then you can see what I mean

Hope this helps 

[Dan78]

very much so.. thanks sunshine

[plum crumble]

thanks Sunshine - I was thinking of the self fertile Queen Cox, which many suppliers stock . I just wondered whether they really were self-fertile, or whether I should go for 2 compatible trees.

[mumofstig]

It should be ok as all the sites say it is self fertile, and any way it's group 3 for pollination which ican be pollinated by most other apples (apart from the very early types) so would think you'll be fine with it.

[plum crumble]

ta!
now about the Plums......

[gillie]

Victoria plum is self fertile.

Gillie

[sunshineband]

Self fertile usually means, well....
                                           

....................... self fertile