Apple

Anna Pollination Guide

Anna requires a compatible pollination partner to produce fruit.

Needs Pollinator Group 1

Without a different compatible variety nearby, Anna will bloom but won't set fruit. You need at least one partner variety planted within 50–100 feet. Choose from the compatible varieties listed below — they bloom at the right time and have compatible genetics.

Anna Quick Facts

Chill Hours

200 hours

Hardiness Zones

8, 9, 10

Harvest

June to July

Bloom Time

very early (before most other varieties)

Pollination Note

Low-chill apple — only compatible with other low-chill varieties that bloom at the same time

Planning Your Orchard

For reliable Anna crops, plant at least one compatible apple variety within 50–100 feet. Choose a partner from the same pollination group (1) or an adjacent group (1–2). Golden Delicious is an excellent universal pollinator. Crabapples also work well if bloom times overlap. Space trees 15–25 feet apart for standard rootstock, or 8–12 feet for dwarf.

Keep a record of every tree you plant — variety, rootstock, location.

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About Anna

Anna is the go-to apple for warm climates where traditional varieties fail. Sweet and mildly tart with a crisp texture, it's one of the few apples that thrives in Florida, Southern California, and the Gulf Coast.

Growing Challenges

Short storage life — best eaten fresh within weeks of harvest; needs Dorsett Golden for pollination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best pollinator for Anna?

The best pollinators for Anna are varieties in pollination group 1 or adjacent groups that bloom at the same time. Top choices include Dorsett Golden. Golden Delicious is also an excellent universal pollinator for most apple varieties.

Can a crabapple pollinate Anna?

Yes, crabapples are excellent pollinators for Anna as long as their bloom times overlap. Ornamental crabapples produce abundant pollen and are a great option if you want a pollinator that also adds spring beauty to your landscape.

How close does a pollinator need to be to Anna?

For reliable pollination, plant the partner variety within 50–100 feet of Anna. Bees are the primary pollinators and typically work within this range. In practice, a tree in your yard or even a neighbor's nearby tree can work. The closer the trees, the more consistent the fruit set.

Can I grow just one Anna tree?

No — Anna requires a compatible pollination partner to produce fruit. Without a second tree of a different variety nearby, it will bloom but won't set fruit.

Other Apple Varieties

Related Tools

Pollination data compiled from university extension services, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) pollination group charts, RosBREED cherry S-allele research, and nursery compatibility guides. Pollination compatibility can vary by region and microclimate. For best results, consult your local extension office.