Published Saturday, April 17, 2010, OK personal/derivative use; link lovethatimage.artsquadgraphics.com.
Apple blossoms
Here’s the thing about apples: they must have cross pollination to set fruit. And even if there is another apple tree nearby, if the bees aren’t out doing their thing, you may have to help nature along. Here in Seattle where sunshine is an occasional thing (“sun breaks,” anyone?) it will definitely increase your harvest to get out there and help.
How? Take a clean, dry, soft artist’s paintbrush, or even a Q-tip, and brush the pollen carefully on a bunch of flowers on Tree A. Then go to Tree B (a different apple variety) and brush some more. Back and forth a few times should do it. Of course for a big tree, you can only do so much, but for dwarf backyard trees, you will make a huge difference.
We have two trees of the “columnar” type. They’re a super skinny, super dwarf size, good in containers, and both can be hand pollinated in just a few minutes. Go back in a few days when more blossoms have opened and do it again. You’ll be glad you did.
Visit Today’s Flowers for more sweet flower photos.
I had no idea that you could help nature along in such a way. I’m learning all the time! What stunning flowers they are. Hope you have a lovely week Sara 🙂
It sounds like you have been a busy bee (sorry) The flowers are as beautiful as the fruit. Good info.
those are such lovely blooms like the fruit. have a wonderful week ahead. 🙂
I never knew you could do that to help with the pollenation of trees. Hard though for the orchards to do that. The bee population too has been dwindling as of the past few years. So much of our foods depend on pollenation that it is kind of scary to think of that.
Your blossoms are beautiful. Love the soft pink colours.
How interesting, to participate in the birds and the bees! Your photo is stunning – love the colors and the softness.
Interesting info about hand pollination.
I love these blossoms, love the soft colors.
Another beautiful photo and I love not only these pretty blooms but also that incredible blue sky behind them. Thanks for once again sharing with Today’s Flowers Sara, and have a great week.
Scrumptious- I can almost smell them.
Stunning flowers and wonderful colours.
A beautiful photo of apple blossoms, pink and green complement each other. When I was a child, we had one of each apple, pear and peach trees; I wish some photos were taken.
Thanks for sharing on how to do hand pollination. Happy Pink Saturday.
I knew that our apple production had decreased over the last couple of years, and that we were low on bees in the neighborhood. I never thought of pollinating the trees myself though. Of course, our trees are in desperate need of a pruning, so I’m not sure how many of the blossoms I can reach. I might try to get out there and do my part though.