Peach
Contender Pollination Guide
Contender is self-fertile — a single tree will produce fruit without a pollination partner.
You don't need a second tree to get fruit from Contender. It can pollinate itself. That said, having a compatible variety nearby can sometimes improve fruit set and yield through cross-pollination.
Contender Quick Facts
Chill Hours
1050 hours
Hardiness Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Harvest
Mid-August
Planning Your Orchard
Contender is self-fertile, so a single tree will produce fruit. However, stone fruit trees benefit from good pollinator activity — encourage bees by planting flowering herbs and avoiding pesticide sprays during bloom. Space trees 15–20 feet apart, or 8–10 feet for dwarf varieties.
Keep a record of every tree you plant — variety, rootstock, location.
Start your free tree log →Compatible Pollination Partners
Can I Grow Contender?
Check if your climate has enough chill hours for Contender. Enter your zip code for an instant answer.
Check your zip code →Interactive Pollination Checker
Compare pollination compatibility across all 60+ fruit tree varieties in our database.
Open checker →Most people forget within a year.
Which pairs fruited well, what bloomed when, what you did each season — write it down from the start.
Free for up to 30 plants. No card needed.
About Contender
Contender combines exceptional cold-hardiness with superior flavor — a freestone peach that survives harsh winters and delivers on taste. It's the top choice for northern peach growers.
Growing Challenges
Very high chill requirement limits it to cold-winter regions; late bloom can still get hit by spring frosts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close does a pollinator need to be to Contender?
For reliable pollination, plant the partner variety within 50–100 feet of Contender. 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 Contender tree?
Yes! Contender is self-fertile and will produce fruit as a single tree. You don't need a second tree, though having one nearby can sometimes improve yield.
Other Peach Varieties
Related Tools
Pollination Checker
Interactive tool to find compatible pollination partners for any fruit tree.
Can I Grow Contender?
Check if your zip code has enough chill hours for this variety.
Chill Hour Checker
Validate chill hours for any fruit tree variety by zip code.
Frost Date Finder
Find your first and last frost dates to plan bloom protection.
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.