Haskap need cross pollination with another genetically distinct clone (i.e., not directly related), as these plants are self-sterile. Like apples they cannot self-pollinate, so two different varieties (with the same blooming time) must be placed in close proximity to effect cross-pollination. This requires proper spacing with commercial and pollinator varieties as described in Section 5. Phytocultures’ clone P17 (or Czech 17) is an effective pollinator for all of our available varieties.
Pollination of flowers commonly begins in late April (based on our experience on PEI). Haskap plants and flowers are extremely tolerant of cold temperatures, but they need an insect pollinator that is similarly tolerant to these conditions. Native bumblebee pollinators have been observed working Haskap flowers under cool temperature regimes. It is beneficial to encourage native pollinators with hedgerows, etc., as some typical pollinators (like some honeybees) may not be out in colder weather. At Phytocultures, we rely on additional bumblebee pollinators supplied by Koppert Biological Systems’ Beehives.
Recently pollinated berries:
