Lame question about pollinators

[Seahorse]

No sniggering at the back!

If a fruit tree is labelled as 'self-sterile, requires a pollinator' is it ok to buy two of the same to pollinate each other? Or do you need another variety altogether? I'm particularly looking at Beurre Hardy pears.

[smallblueplanet]

Lol! would they be Lidl's buerre hardy pears (I only ask cos I'd wondered about them! )?

Wonder what the root stock is?

[Seahorse]

Lol! would they be Lidl's buerre hardy pears (I only ask cos I'd wondered about them! )?

Wonder what the root stock is?

Could be... could be

The rootstock is my main point of concern too, though I've yet to hear of anyone being over-run by a Lidl monster. I suppose the worst case scenario is you might have to chop it down after a few years

[Shortie]

Okay, reeeeeaaaallly no laughing (well, okay then)

If they're "self fertile" why do they need a pollinator?

[Snadger]

Okay, reeeeeaaaallly no laughing (well, okay then)

If they're "self fertile" why do they need a pollinator?

I think the question was about them being self sterile not self fertile Shortie!

For apples that sometimes need one,two or even three pollinators depending on variety, the pollinators are from only certain varieties.Usually ones that flower at the same time! If you google it you should be able to find lists of pollinaters for pears as well as apples.

Just out of interest, I bought a Beurre Hardy pear as well! I already have a Conference pear and there are quite a few 'mongrel' pears dotted around the allotments, so I'll just have to wait and see whether I get any fruit.

PS To answer the original question, I don't think one of the same variety will do?

[Seahorse]

Thanks Snadger. I've Googled for pollinators and there's quite a choice. There are definitely some pear trees on my site already though, so like you, I might get just the one and see what happens.

[Shortie]

I think the question was about them being self sterile not self fertile Shortie!

.....oooops....... I had to re-read it a few times to spot what you meant.....

Quitely bows out of the conversation now

[veg4681]

It's not just you Shortie, I misread it as self-fertile the first time too until Snadger pointed out .

I got myself a duo pear so that I not only get two pear variety but also they would cross pollinate with one another.

[deadwood]

The answer is NO.
Two of the same will not pollinate each other.
Suspect you may need to wait a few years for any pears.

[Snadger]

Lol! would they be Lidl's buerre hardy pears (I only ask cos I'd wondered about them! )?

Wonder what the root stock is?

As you know, I bought one of Lidl's Buerre Hardy pears and have had it in a bucket of water to give the roots a soaking.
I checked the information on the picture/card thats with it and it actually states what the pollinators are. There were about four different varieties and one is a Conference pear which I already have. No mention of what rootstock though, only to say it can grow betwen 5 and 25 foot depending on pruning, cultivation, etc

Just as a matter of interest I was also at Aldi where I purchased four different apple trees and each one had a list of pollinators on the front of the card!

[Seahorse]

Thanks again Snadger, very useful to know they're well labelled.