Apricot
Blenheim (Royal) Pollination Guide
Blenheim (Royal) is self-fertile — a single tree will produce fruit without a pollination partner.
You don't need a second tree to get fruit from Blenheim (Royal). It can pollinate itself. That said, having a compatible variety nearby can sometimes improve fruit set and yield through cross-pollination.
Blenheim (Royal) Quick Facts
Chill Hours
400 hours
Hardiness Zones
7, 8, 9
Harvest
June to July
Pollination Note
Most apricots are self-fertile but yield improves with a second variety
Planning Your Orchard
Blenheim (Royal) is self-fertile, so a single tree will produce fruit. However, stone fruit trees benefit from good pollinator activity — encourage bees by planting flowering herbs and avoiding pesticide sprays during bloom. Space trees 15–20 feet apart, or 8–10 feet for dwarf varieties.
Keep a record of every tree you plant — variety, rootstock, location.
Start your free tree log →Compatible Pollination Partners
Can I Grow Blenheim (Royal)?
Check if your climate has enough chill hours for Blenheim (Royal). Enter your zip code for an instant answer.
Check your zip code →Interactive Pollination Checker
Compare pollination compatibility across all 60+ fruit tree varieties in our database.
Open checker →Most people forget within a year.
Which pairs fruited well, what bloomed when, what you did each season — write it down from the start.
Free for up to 30 plants. No card needed.
About Blenheim (Royal)
Blenheim is California's legendary apricot — the variety that built the Santa Clara Valley dried fruit industry. Sweet, aromatic, and perfect for drying, canning, or eating fresh off the tree.
Growing Challenges
Early bloom makes it frost-prone; needs warm, dry summers for best quality; susceptible to shot hole fungus.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close does a pollinator need to be to Blenheim (Royal)?
For reliable pollination, plant the partner variety within 50–100 feet of Blenheim (Royal). Bees are the primary pollinators and typically work within this range. In practice, a tree in your yard or even a neighbor's nearby tree can work. The closer the trees, the more consistent the fruit set.
Can I grow just one Blenheim (Royal) tree?
Yes! Blenheim (Royal) is self-fertile and will produce fruit as a single tree. You don't need a second tree, though having one nearby can sometimes improve yield.
Other Apricot Varieties
Related Tools
Pollination Checker
Interactive tool to find compatible pollination partners for any fruit tree.
Can I Grow Blenheim (Royal)?
Check if your zip code has enough chill hours for this variety.
Chill Hour Checker
Validate chill hours for any fruit tree variety by zip code.
Frost Date Finder
Find your first and last frost dates to plan bloom protection.
Pollination data compiled from university extension services, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) pollination group charts, RosBREED cherry S-allele research, and nursery compatibility guides. Pollination compatibility can vary by region and microclimate. For best results, consult your local extension office.