Types of Apple Rootstock
Big apple trees may give you the pip but smaller trees can be a delight.
Modern apple trees are grafted on to a root stock that will govern the vigour and eventual size of the tree. These are the vital statistics of some common rootstocks.
|
Name |
Nature |
Height ft. |
Spread ft. |
|
M 27 |
Very Dwarf |
4-6 |
5 |
|
M 9 |
Dwarfing |
6-8 |
9 |
|
M 26 |
Semi-dwarf |
8-10 |
12 |
|
M 106 |
Semi-vigorous |
10-13 |
12 |
|
M 111 |
Vigorous |
13-15 |
15 |
The larger the tree the more fruit it should bear up to 300 pounds on a mature orchard tree on M111. The smaller trees bear fruit after 3 years, larger trees need 3-4 years
- Apples are potentially long lived trees and the small trees are often pruned into pyramids and central leaders. For an espalier tree get a root stock that is M26 or M106.
- Semi dwarf and semi-vigorous can be grown in containers but need care with water and feeding
- Smaller trees need staking all their life
There are many professional fruit tree firms like Ashridge, Ken Muir and Blackmoor but Amazon also offer a range using their supplier base.