One tree, or a partner

Pollination

Many modern varieties are self-fertile, which means you only need one tree for a good crop, the RHS says. RHS Acid cherries are self-fertile, so you only need one tree, the RHS says. RHS

Many modern varieties of sweet cherries are self-fertile, while others need a pollination partner — another cherry nearby that flowers at a similar time — to ensure a good crop. RHS Even self-fertile trees usually produce a larger crop when there’s a compatible pollination partner nearby, the RHS says. But if you only have room for one tree, be sure to buy a self-fertile variety. RHS

Most apples, pears and some cherries, plums and gages are not self-fertile but need a pollination partner, the RHS says — a different cultivar of the same kind of fruit. RHS For cross-pollination, the RHS says, choose a cultivar from within the same pollination group (flowering period) or from the adjoining groups, where flowering periods overlap. The RHS uses numbers to distinguish between individual pollination groups; other sources or suppliers may use letters. RHS