What is Cross-pollination?

[GabiT]

I’m new to gardening so I’m struggling a bit with some concepts.

I bought 2 self-pollinating blueberry bushes (Patriot). I read that cross-pollination is beneficial even for self-pollinating plants, which is why I bought 2 of them. However, I don’t understand if cross-pollination occurs between 2 varieties of the same species (eg blueberry patriot and another type of blueberry (eg Herbert)) or between the same varieties of the same species (eg 2 blueberries Patriot). Or if the varieties don’t matter as long as both plants are the same species.

Please help if you know the answer.

Also, if anyone has blueberry Patriot, what’s your opinion of it? I just read that the taste is a bit bland comparing to other blueberries (but for some reason Patriot seems to be everywhere, including in my local Lidl for only £3!)

I don't know about Patriot blueberries, some blueberries can pollinate their own type, some can't, some can but are better with another variety. And not all varieties are suitable as pollinators for any variety, so it gets a bit complicated.

But in general I think when people talk about cross pollination they are talking about a different variety doing the pollinating.

any variety will due for cross pollination.
just the seeds would not be true to the oroginal variety. but blueberries (or apples or currants etc) are not usually grown from home saved seeds.

There's a handy list of good pollination partners for 'Patriot' if you scroll down here: https://www.frankpmatthews.com/catalogue/soft-fruit/blueberry/patriot/.

Usually it's best to have two different but compatible varieties to cross-pollinate each other.

FWIW even if you saved seeds from a variety pollinated by the same variety, you might not get nursery-quality plants of that variety.

I grew two of the same blueberry plants in two pots a few years ago. They were prolific. I ended up with so many blueberries I had them in the freezer until January/ February most years. I'd just see how they grow and then add another next year if needed. I doubt you will.

Thanks everyone, I think I’m clearer now. I honestly spend hours and hours reading about all things to do with gardening but unfortunately I promptly forget what I read 😀. I also forget the name of the plants im planting in my garden, their location, the plant labels get chewed on or removed by foxes…it’s hilarious

@Shepadoodle that’s exactly what I’ve decided to do, I’ll see how they perform and buy another next year if needed

I had no idea this might be necessary for my blueberry plant (can't remember what variety!) so thanks for posting from a fellow disorganised gardener

Take a photo of your plant, complete with label. I'm terrible for losing labels and then forgetting what variety things are, and that method works for me now.

Genius!