Gravenstein Pollination Guide

The best pollinators for Gravenstein are varieties in pollination group 2 or adjacent groups that bloom at the same time. Top choices include Arkansas Black, Braeburn, Cortland. Golden Delicious is also an excellent universal pollinator for most apple varieties.

Yes, crabapples are excellent pollinators for Gravenstein 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.

Gravenstein is a triploid variety with sterile pollen — it can receive pollen but can't donate it. You need two other non-triploid apple varieties: one to pollinate Gravenstein, and one to pollinate the first pollinator (since Gravenstein can't do it). All three trees should be from the same or adjacent pollination groups.

For reliable pollination, plant the partner variety within 50–100 feet of Gravenstein. 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.

No — Gravenstein 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. As a triploid, it actually needs two other varieties.