| Print | Close |
Rootstocks
|
Fruit trees are propagated onto rootstocks. The rootstock is the most important factor in determining the vigour and eventual size of the tree. The choice of rootstock is therefore very important as it will determine the suitability of the tree for the position and the form in which you intend to grow it. Please find below a list of rootstocks and their characteristics.
|
| Apple:
M27
(Very dwarfing )
|
| Requirements |
Good soil conditions. Ground should be clear of weeds and grass. Permanent staking required. Water in dry conditions. |
| Mature height |
4-6ft (1.2-1.8m) |
| Spread |
5ft (1.5m) |
| Planting distance |
4-5 ft (1.2-1.5m) apart, 6ft (1.8m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
10-15lb (4.5-7kg) |
| Bearing age |
2 years |
| Suitable forms |
Dwarf pyramid, centre leader, stepover
|
| Apple:
M9
(Dwarfing )
|
| Requirements |
Good soil conditions. Ground should be clear of weeds and grass. Permanent staking required. Water in dry conditions. |
| Mature height |
6-8ft (1.8-2.4m) |
| Spread |
9ft (2.7m) |
| Planting distance |
8-10ft (2.4-3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
25-50lb (11-23kg) |
| Bearing age |
2/3 years |
| Suitable forms |
Bush, pyramid, centre leader, cordon
|
| Apple:
M26
(Semi-dwarfing )
|
| Requirements |
Can be grown in all reasonable soil conditions including grass orchards. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
8-10ft (2.4-3m) |
| Spread |
12ft (3.6m) |
| Planting distance |
8-12ft (2.4-3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
30-80lb (13.5-36kg) |
| Bearing age |
2/3 years |
| Suitable forms |
Bush, pyramid, centre leader, cordon, minaret, espalier, container
|
| Apple:
MM106
(Semi-vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for a wide range of soils including grassed orchards and relatively poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
10-13ft (3-4m) |
| Spread |
13ft (4m) |
| Planting distance |
12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
50-100lb (23-56kg) |
| Bearing age |
3/4 years |
| Suitable forms |
Half standard, bush, cordon, espalier, container
|
| Apple:
MM111
(Vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for a wide range of soils including grassed orchards and poor soils. Staking preferable but not necessary if planted as a one year old. Stake for first 3 years if planted as 2/3 year trees. |
| Mature height |
13-15ft (4-4.5m) |
| Spread |
15ft (4.5m) |
| Planting distance |
15ft (4.5m) apart, 20ft (6m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
100-400lb (45-180kg) |
| Bearing age |
4/5 years |
| Suitable forms |
Standard, half standard, large espalier
|
| Apple:
M25
(Very vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for a wide range of soils including grassed orchards and poor soils. Staking preferable but not necessary if planted as a one year old. Stake for first 3 years if planted as 2/3 year trees. |
| Mature height |
Over15ft (4.5m) |
| Spread |
20ft (6m) |
| Planting distance |
20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
200-400lb (90-180kg) |
| Bearing age |
5/6 years |
| Suitable forms |
Standard
|
| Pear:
Quince C
(Dwarfing )
|
| Requirements |
Good fertile soil. Ground should be clear of weeds and grass. Stake for at least the first 5 years and preferably permanently. |
| Mature height |
8-10ft (2.4-3m) |
| Spread |
9ft (2.7m) |
| Planting distance |
9ft (2.7m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
3/4 years |
| Suitable forms |
Bush, pyramid, centre leader, cordon, espalier
|
| Pear:
Quince A
(Semi-dwarfing )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for a wide range of soils including relatively poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
10-12ft (3-3.6m ) |
| Spread |
12ft (3.6m) |
| Planting distance |
12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
4/5 years |
| Suitable forms |
Suitable Forms: Half standard, bush, cordon, espalier, container
|
| Pear:
Pyrodwarf
(Semi-vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
A new relatively dwarfing pear rootstock. Can be used for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
Ove 15ft (4.5m) |
| Spread |
15ft (4.5m) |
| Planting distance |
15ft (4.5m) apart, 20ft (6m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
4/5 years |
| Suitable forms |
Half Standard
|
| Pear:
Pyrus
(Very vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for a wide range of soils including poor soils and grassed orchards. Staking preferable for the first 3 years. |
| Mature height |
Over 20ft (6m) |
| Spread |
15ft (4.5m) |
| Planting distance |
20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
5/6 years |
| Suitable forms |
|
| Plum:
Pixy
(Semi-dwarfing )
|
| Requirements |
Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions. |
| Mature height |
8-10ft (2.4-3m) |
| Spread |
10ft (3m) |
| Planting distance |
10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
3 years |
| Suitable forms |
Suitable Forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan
|
| Plum:
St Julien A
(Semi-vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
10-12ft (3-3.6m) |
| Spread |
12ft (3.6m) |
| Planting distance |
12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
4/5 years |
| Suitable forms |
Half standard, bush, fan
|
| Plum:
Brompton
(Very vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for most soil conditions including poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
Over 15ft (4.5m) |
| Spread |
15ft (4.5m) |
| Planting distance |
20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
4/5 years |
| Suitable forms |
Standard
|
| Peach:
Pixy
(Semi-dwarfing )
|
| Requirements |
Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions. |
| Mature height |
8-10ft (2.4-3m) |
| Spread |
10ft (3m) |
| Planting distance |
10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
3 years |
| Suitable forms |
Suitable Forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan
|
| Peach:
St Julien A
(Semi-vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
10-12ft (3-3.6m) |
| Spread |
12ft (3.6m) |
| Planting distance |
12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
4/5 years |
| Suitable forms |
Half standard, bush, fan
|
| Peach:
Brompton
(Very vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for most soil conditions including poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
Over 15ft (4.5m) |
| Spread |
15ft (4.5m) |
| Planting distance |
20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
4/5 years |
| Suitable forms |
Standard
|
| Nectarine:
Pixy
(Semi-dwarfing )
|
| Requirements |
Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions. |
| Mature height |
8-10ft (2.4-3m) |
| Spread |
10ft (3m) |
| Planting distance |
10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
3 years |
| Suitable forms |
Suitable Forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan
|
| Nectarine:
St Julien A
(Semi-vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
10-12ft (3-3.6m) |
| Spread |
12ft (3.6m) |
| Planting distance |
12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
4/5 years |
| Suitable forms |
Half standard, bush, fan
|
| Nectarine:
Brompton
(Very vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for most soil conditions including poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
Over 15ft (4.5m) |
| Spread |
15ft (4.5m) |
| Planting distance |
20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
4/5 years |
| Suitable forms |
Standard
|
| Apricot:
Pixy
(Semi-dwarfing )
|
| Requirements |
Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions. |
| Mature height |
8-10ft (2.4-3m) |
| Spread |
10ft (3m) |
| Planting distance |
10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
3 years |
| Suitable forms |
Suitable Forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan
|
| Apricot:
Torinel
(Semi-vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
A new rootstock suitable for apricots. Can be used for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
10-12ft (3-3.6m) |
| Spread |
12ft (3.6m) |
| Planting distance |
12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
4/5 years |
| Suitable forms |
Half standard, bush, fan
|
| Apricot:
St Julien A
(Semi-vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
10-12ft (3-3.6m) |
| Spread |
12ft (3.6m) |
| Planting distance |
12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
4/5 years |
| Suitable forms |
Half standard, bush, fan
|
| Apricot:
Brompton
(Very vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for most soil conditions including poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
Over 15ft (4.5m) |
| Spread |
15ft (4.5m) |
| Planting distance |
20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
4/5 years |
| Suitable forms |
Standard
|
| Cherry:
Gisela 5
(Semi-dwarfing )
|
| Requirements |
Good fertile soil. Ground should be cleared of weeds and grass. Staking required for the first 5 years. Very sensitive to systemic herbicides such as Glyphosate the use of which should be avoided around young trees. |
| Mature height |
8-10ft (2.4-3m) |
| Spread |
10ft (3m) |
| Planting distance |
10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
3 years |
| Suitable forms |
Bush, small fan
|
| Cherry:
Colt
(Semi-vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for a wide range of soils including relatively poor soils and grassed orchards. Staking preferable but not necessary if planted as a one year old. Stake for first 3 years if planted as 2/3 year trees. |
| Mature height |
12-15ft (3-4.5m) |
| Spread |
15ft (4.5m) |
| Planting distance |
15ft (4.5m) apart, 20ft (6.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
4/5 years |
| Suitable forms |
Half standard, bush
|
| Cherry:
F12/1
(Very vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for a wide range of soils including poor soils and grassed orchards. Staking preferable but not necessary if planted as a one year old. Stake for first 3 years if planted as 2/3 year trees. |
| Mature height |
Over 20ft (6m) |
| Spread |
20ft (6m) |
| Planting distance |
20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
5/6 years |
| Suitable forms |
Standard
|
| Medlar:
Quince A
(Semi-dwarfing )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for a wide range of soils including relatively poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
10-12ft (3-3.6m ) |
| Spread |
12ft (3.6m) |
| Planting distance |
12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
4/5 years |
| Suitable forms |
Suitable Forms: Half standard, bush, cordon, espalier, container
|
| Medlar:
Crataegus
(Semi-dwarfing )
|
| Requirements |
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is commonly used as a rootstock for medlars. Suitable for a wide range of soils including grassed orchards and relatively poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
10-12ft (3-3.6m ) |
| Spread |
15ft (4.5m) |
| Planting distance |
15ft (4.5m) apart, 20ft (6.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
3/4 years |
| Suitable forms |
Bush, half standard
|
| Medlar:
Pyrus
(Very vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for a wide range of soils including poor soils and grassed orchards. Staking preferable for the first 3 years. |
| Mature height |
Over 20ft (6m) |
| Spread |
15ft (4.5m) |
| Planting distance |
20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
5/6 years |
| Suitable forms |
|
| Quince:
Quince C
(Dwarfing )
|
| Requirements |
Good fertile soil. Ground should be clear of weeds and grass. Stake for at least the first 5 years and preferably permanently. |
| Mature height |
8-10ft (2.4-3m) |
| Spread |
9ft (2.7m) |
| Planting distance |
9ft (2.7m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
3/4 years |
| Suitable forms |
Bush, pyramid, centre leader, cordon, espalier
|
| Quince:
Quince A
(Semi-dwarfing )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for a wide range of soils including relatively poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
10-12ft (3-3.6m ) |
| Spread |
12ft (3.6m) |
| Planting distance |
12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
4/5 years |
| Suitable forms |
Suitable Forms: Half standard, bush, cordon, espalier, container
|
| Quince:
Pyrus
(Very vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for a wide range of soils including poor soils and grassed orchards. Staking preferable for the first 3 years. |
| Mature height |
Over 20ft (6m) |
| Spread |
15ft (4.5m) |
| Planting distance |
20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
5/6 years |
| Suitable forms |
|
| Almond:
St Julien A
(Semi-vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
10-12ft (3-3.6m) |
| Spread |
12ft (3.6m) |
| Planting distance |
12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
4/5 years |
| Suitable forms |
Half standard, bush, fan
|
| Bullace:
Pixy
(Semi-dwarfing )
|
| Requirements |
Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions. |
| Mature height |
8-10ft (2.4-3m) |
| Spread |
10ft (3m) |
| Planting distance |
10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
3 years |
| Suitable forms |
Suitable Forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan
|
| Bullace:
St Julien A
(Semi-vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
10-12ft (3-3.6m) |
| Spread |
12ft (3.6m) |
| Planting distance |
12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
4/5 years |
| Suitable forms |
Half standard, bush, fan
|
| Bullace:
Brompton
(Very vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for most soil conditions including poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
Over 15ft (4.5m) |
| Spread |
15ft (4.5m) |
| Planting distance |
20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
4/5 years |
| Suitable forms |
Standard
|
| Cherry Plum:
Pixy
(Semi-dwarfing )
|
| Requirements |
Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions. |
| Mature height |
8-10ft (2.4-3m) |
| Spread |
10ft (3m) |
| Planting distance |
10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
3 years |
| Suitable forms |
Suitable Forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan
|
| Cherry Plum:
St Julien A
(Semi-vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
10-12ft (3-3.6m) |
| Spread |
12ft (3.6m) |
| Planting distance |
12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
4/5 years |
| Suitable forms |
Half standard, bush, fan
|
| Cherry Plum:
Brompton
(Very vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for most soil conditions including poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
Over 15ft (4.5m) |
| Spread |
15ft (4.5m) |
| Planting distance |
20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
4/5 years |
| Suitable forms |
Standard
|
| Damson:
Pixy
(Semi-dwarfing )
|
| Requirements |
Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions. |
| Mature height |
8-10ft (2.4-3m) |
| Spread |
10ft (3m) |
| Planting distance |
10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
3 years |
| Suitable forms |
Suitable Forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan
|
| Damson:
St Julien A
(Semi-vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
10-12ft (3-3.6m) |
| Spread |
12ft (3.6m) |
| Planting distance |
12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
4/5 years |
| Suitable forms |
Half standard, bush, fan
|
| Damson:
Brompton
(Very vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for most soil conditions including poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
Over 15ft (4.5m) |
| Spread |
15ft (4.5m) |
| Planting distance |
20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
|
| Bearing age |
4/5 years |
| Suitable forms |
Standard
|
| Crab Apple:
M27
(Very dwarfing )
|
| Requirements |
Good soil conditions. Ground should be clear of weeds and grass. Permanent staking required. Water in dry conditions. |
| Mature height |
4-6ft (1.2-1.8m) |
| Spread |
5ft (1.5m) |
| Planting distance |
4-5 ft (1.2-1.5m) apart, 6ft (1.8m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
10-15lb (4.5-7kg) |
| Bearing age |
2 years |
| Suitable forms |
Dwarf pyramid, centre leader, stepover
|
| Crab Apple:
M9
(Dwarfing )
|
| Requirements |
Good soil conditions. Ground should be clear of weeds and grass. Permanent staking required. Water in dry conditions. |
| Mature height |
6-8ft (1.8-2.4m) |
| Spread |
9ft (2.7m) |
| Planting distance |
8-10ft (2.4-3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
25-50lb (11-23kg) |
| Bearing age |
2/3 years |
| Suitable forms |
Bush, pyramid, centre leader, cordon
|
| Crab Apple:
M26
(Semi-dwarfing )
|
| Requirements |
Can be grown in all reasonable soil conditions including grass orchards. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
8-10ft (2.4-3m) |
| Spread |
12ft (3.6m) |
| Planting distance |
8-12ft (2.4-3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
30-80lb (13.5-36kg) |
| Bearing age |
2/3 years |
| Suitable forms |
Bush, pyramid, centre leader, cordon, minaret, espalier, container
|
| Crab Apple:
MM106
(Semi-vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for a wide range of soils including grassed orchards and relatively poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years. |
| Mature height |
10-13ft (3-4m) |
| Spread |
13ft (4m) |
| Planting distance |
12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
50-100lb (23-56kg) |
| Bearing age |
3/4 years |
| Suitable forms |
Half standard, bush, cordon, espalier, container
|
| Crab Apple:
MM111
(Vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for a wide range of soils including grassed orchards and poor soils. Staking preferable but not necessary if planted as a one year old. Stake for first 3 years if planted as 2/3 year trees. |
| Mature height |
13-15ft (4-4.5m) |
| Spread |
15ft (4.5m) |
| Planting distance |
15ft (4.5m) apart, 20ft (6m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
100-400lb (45-180kg) |
| Bearing age |
4/5 years |
| Suitable forms |
Standard, half standard, large espalier
|
| Crab Apple:
M25
(Very vigorous )
|
| Requirements |
Suitable for a wide range of soils including grassed orchards and poor soils. Staking preferable but not necessary if planted as a one year old. Stake for first 3 years if planted as 2/3 year trees. |
| Mature height |
Over15ft (4.5m) |
| Spread |
20ft (6m) |
| Planting distance |
20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows |
| Mature yield |
200-400lb (90-180kg) |
| Bearing age |
5/6 years |
| Suitable forms |
Standard
|
|
|
Close |