Real Pollen
for Backyard
Fruit Trees.

Supplemental pollen can help when natural pollination falls short. Commercial fruit growers have been using supplemental pollen since the 1930s to improve pollination and fruit set. 

While fruit production depends on several factors, if you have a healthy tree that blooms well but produces little or no fruit, supplemental pollen gives blossoms another source of compatible pollen.

You usually don’t need to know the exact variety of your tree.

Start by choosing pollen for the same type of fruit—apple pollen for apple trees, cherry pollen for cherry trees, and so on. We’ll flag any important compatibility exceptions on the product page, and if you’re unsure, just contact us before ordering.

Each kit includes enough pollen for about 2–3 typical backyard fruit trees for approximately two bloom seasons.

The exact amount you’ll use depends on tree size and how heavily you apply it.

Begin applying pollen when about 40% of the blossoms are open (about 4 flowers out of every 10), then apply again around 60% bloom. An optional third application can be made around 80% bloom.

Choose a dry period when temperatures are around 55°F or warmer. Slightly cooler conditions are fine if temperatures are warming, but pollen germinates and grows more slowly in cold weather. Apply to freshly opened, dry blossoms, and avoid applying during rain, fog, or while flowers are wet with heavy dew.

Keep the pollen frozen and tightly sealed when you’re not using it. Keeping it cold and dry helps maintain its viability.

For easier storage, keep the pollen, brush, and instructions together in the bag they arrive in.

When you’re ready to apply the pollen, consider taking only a small amount outside so the rest can stay frozen. After use, seal it tightly and return it to the freezer.

When kept frozen and dry, pollen can stay viable for years.

For home use, we recommend storing any leftover pollen in the freezer and using it within the next few bloom seasons.

Fruit set can’t be guaranteed, but supplemental pollen can improve the chances of successful pollination when compatible pollen is limited. Weather, bloom timing, tree health, and other growing conditions also influence whether blossoms develop into fruit.

Flowers and bees don’t always guarantee good pollination. Weather, timing, low bee activity, or a lack of compatible pollen can all reduce fruit set.

Commercial growers may use supplemental pollen when compatible pollen or pollinator activity is limited. Applying compatible pollen directly to open blossoms provides another source of pollen during bloom.

Yes. Your pollen is packed with cold protection to help maintain viability during transit. If your gel pack arrives soft or liquid, place the pollen in your freezer when it arrives and keep frozen until you’re ready to use it.