Pome & Stone Fruit
Chill hours make or break these trees — an apple or cherry variety bred for Tasmania will struggle in Brisbane, whatever else you get right. These 8 guides cover the specific chill requirements and pruning each stone and pome fruit needs for your actual climate.
Apple
Malus domestica · Rose family
Apricot
Prunus armeniaca · Rose family
Cherry
Prunus avium (sweet) / P. cerasus (sour) · Rose family
Nectarine
Prunus persica var. nucipersica · Rose family
Peach
Prunus persica · Rose family
Pear
Pyrus communis · Rose family
Plum
Prunus domestica / Prunus salicina · Rose family
Quince
Cydonia oblonga · Rose family
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my apple or pear tree flower but not fruit?
Most pome and stone fruit need a compatible second variety nearby for cross-pollination — a single tree flowering alone often won't set fruit. Check whether your variety is self-fertile or needs a pollinator partner.
What are chill hours and why do they matter?
Chill hours are the accumulated cold-weather hours a tree needs over winter to flower and fruit properly the following spring. Planting a variety with chill requirements higher than your climate provides is a common reason for poor fruiting.