WHy can't I get my apple trees to bear?

[advancewithcourage]

I planted 2 apple trees 6 years ago and have yet to eat one apple. I admit, I have not been able to figure out how to prune a tree well from books. So I have done a hodge podge job at best. I would like a good apple crop for dehydrating.

Any suggestions?

[VeggieMel]

How did you start the tree? A seed from an apple will usually not bear fruit, as is the case with most fruits. I don't know why. A grafted seed will bear fruit. Or if you bought a tree already in the growing stages, it should probably bear fruit, too.

[oceanluv]

do you get blossoms? maybe you need a specific type of apple for cross pollination. I would call your local nursery, or extension service. they should be able to help you. :)

[exurb]

OK, apple expert here.

First, apples need a cross pollinator (ie different variety). So if you got two of the exact same species, instead of two different varieties, they won't have a cross pollinator. Crab apple trees will also work as a cross pollinator. In a mixed orchard it isn't a problem because the varieties all just cross pollinate each other.

Do you get blossoms, then no apples, or have they never blossomed? Do you know what varieties you have, I could even give you more specific information.

Apples also need to be pollinated by bees or other natural pollinators to bear fruit.

The basic principle for the pruning is to open it up to light, it's not rocket science, although some different varieties do better when pruned in different ways.

Also, some varieties bear fruit on 2nd year and older wood, meaning you need some parts you didn't prune each year, if all the growth is new and you have one of those varieties, if there's no 2year old or older branches, there's no fruit.

If you don't get blossoms at all, maybe it's getting too much nitrogen.

So let me know the blossom situation, and any other details, varieties, etc., and I'm sure we can get the buggers to bear fruit. Also if you've been doing anything else for care.

[Beanie]

Is this true for tomato plants? I had 3 growing on my balcony on the 11th floor and no fruits either. :(

[exurb]

Beanie, tomato plants are self pollinating, don't require any pollinators. On rare occasion they can get cross pollinated, but in general, each flower pollinates itself.

Three things come to mind immediately - are they getting really full strong light, or are they shaded by an upper balcony, your balcony railing, etc... Tomatos need the full sun, unobstructed. The other thing that comes to mind is on occasion if plants get too much nitrogen, they will emphasize their growth into green leaves and not flowers. Was there any purple tinge to the leaves, that would indicate a deficiency in phosphorus. Did you have flowers then no tomatoes, or no flowers.

Finally, the third thing is were they a variety suited to growing in pots. You can check around, and find varieties especially suited to growing in pots on patios, etc. Most often they are a cherry tomato, with a plant form that suits that type of growing. Also were the pots big enough? Did the pots get too hot.

Just some ideas for you, but no, tomatoes do not need cross pollinators.