Rootstocks: What you need to know.

Our fruit trees are grafted onto different rootstocks.The rootstock has a bearing on the overall height and vigour of the tree. Different rootstocks have different attributes in terms of site suitability, growing form ( do you want to have a go at creating an espalier or stepover), planting distance and eventual height of the tree.Heights and spreads listed are averages.

Apple: M27 Extremely dwarfing

Eventual height: 1.2 -1.8 mtrs x 1.5 mtrs spread
Spacing: 1.2-1.5 mtrs apart with 1.8mtrs between rows
Fruiting age: 2 years onwards
Suitable for: Dwarf pyramids, stepovers, small bush.

Requirements: Must have good fertile soil, must be weed and grass free and be permanently staked.

Fruits early and at a good size for kids, suitable where space is very limited. Will grow in a pot.

Apple: M26 Dwarfing

Eventual height: 2.4 - 3 mtrs x 3.6mtrs spread
Spacing: 2.4-3.6mtrs with 4.5mtrs between rows
Fruiting age: 3 years onwards
Suitable for: Bush, pyramid, cordon, espalier.

Requirements: Average good soil, not very heavy soils, stake for the first 4 years or so.

A good rootstock for training forms and a nice sized tree.

Apple: MM106 Semi dwarfing

Eventual height: 3 - 4 m x 4 m spread.
Spacing: 3.6 m with 4.5 m between the rows.
Fruiting age: 3 to 4 years onwards.
Suitable for: Bush, pyramid, espalier.

Requirements: Will grow in a wide range of soils including grass lands and poor soils. The most widely used rootstock, not suitable for very small gardens, but the best choice if you feel conditions are not ideal. A productive tree. Will need staking for the first 4 years or so.

Apple: MM111 Vigorous

Eventual height:4 - 4.5 mtrs x 4.5 mtrs spread.
Spacing: 4.5 mtrs apart with 6 mtrs between rows.
Fruiting age: 5 to 6 years onwards.
Suitable for: Large orchard tree

Requirements: Suitable for most soils including grasslands and poor soils. Large tree, long lived only suitable for big gardens, orchards or open areas. Will need a stake for the first few years.

If you want a large growing tree and your soil is not great, this is the rootstock for you.

Pear: Quince A Semi Dwarfing

Eventual height: 3 - 4.5mtrs
Spacing: 3-4.5mtrs.
Fruiting age: From 4 years onwards.
Suitable for: Fan, cordon, bush, central leader, half-standard, espalier

Requirements: A sunny site with good fertile soil, not very heavy soils, needs staking for the first 4 years or so.

Plum: Pixy Semi dwarfing

Eventual height: 2.5 - 3.5 mtrs
Spacing: 3.5 - 4 mtrs.
Fruiting age: From 3 or 4 years onwards.
Suitable for: Cordon, dwarf bush.

Requirements: Requires good fertile soil, kept weed and grass free, needs permanent staking.

Plum : St Julian A Semi vigorous

Eventual height: 3.5 - 4.5 mtrs
Spacing: 5 mtrs
Fruiting age: From 3 or 4 years onwards.
Suitable for: Bush, half standard, fan-trained.

Requirements: The most widely used rootstock, will grow in a wide range of soils and can tolerate some heavy soils.

Cherry: Colt Semi vigorous

Eventual height: 4 - 5 mtrs
Spacing: 5 - 6 mtrs
Fruiting age: From 3 or 4 years onwards.
Suitable for: Bush, half standard, fans

Requirements:Suitable for a wide range of soils and can tolerate some heavy soils, stake for the first few years.

Cherry: Gisela 5 Semi dwarfing

Eventual height: 2.5 - 3 mtrs
Spacing: 2.5 - 3 mtrs
Fruiting age: From 3 or 4 years onwards.
Suitable for: Bush, fan

Requirements: Must be good fertile soil, must be weed and grass free and permanently staked.