Rootstock
Two essential factors that must be taken into account when choosing a fruit tree are its growth rate (vigour) and the ultimate size of the mature tree. These will largely be determined by the rootstock onto which the tree has been grafted.
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. For example, dwarfing rootstocks such as M9 (for apples) grow to a maximum of 2.4 m (8 ft), making them a suitable size for most gardens. Their relatively low height also means that harvesting, pruning and spraying can be carried out easily. However, those wanting very large specimens should consider buying very vigorous rootstocks, such as M25, which can produce trees over 4.5 m (15 ft) tall. Some rootstocks are also resistant to certain diseases.
The following table shows a range of rootstocks available for particular fruit, with details of their ultimate height and maximum spread:
| Rootstock | Maximum Height | Maximum Spread | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brompton (Very vigorous) |
4.5 m + (15 ft +) |
4.5 m (15 ft) |
Apricot, Bullace, Cherry Plum, Damson, Nectarine, Peach, Plum |
| Crataegus (Semi-dwarfing) |
3.0-3.6 m (10-12 ft) |
4.5 m (15 ft) |
Medlar |
| EMH (Dwarfing) |
2.7-3.3 m (9-11 ft) |
3.6 m (12 ft) |
Pear |
| F12/1 (Very vigorous) |
6.0 m + (20 ft +) |
6.0 m (20 ft) |
Cherry |
| Gisela 5 (Dwarfing) |
2.4-3.0 m (8-10 ft) |
3.0 m (10 ft) |
Cherry |
| M9 (Dwarfing) |
1.8-2.4 m (6-8 ft) |
2.7 m (9 ft) |
Apple |
| M25 (Very vigorous) |
4.5 m + (15 ft +) |
6.0 m (20 ft) |
Apple |
| M26 (Semi-dwarfing) |
2.4-3.0 m (8-10 ft) |
3.6 m (12 ft) |
Apple |
| M27 (Very dwarfing) |
1.2-1.8 m (4-6 ft) |
1.5 m (5 ft) |
Apple |
| MM106 (Semi-vigorous) |
3.0 -4.0 m (10-13 ft) |
4.0 m (13 ft) |
Apple |
| MM111 (Vigorous) |
4.0-4.5 m (13-15 ft) |
4.5 m (15 ft) |
Apple |
| Pixy (Dwarfing) |
2.4-3.0 m (8-10 ft) |
3.0 m (10 ft) |
Apricot, Bullace, Cherry Plum, Damson, Nectarine, Peach, Plum |
| Pyrus (Very vigorous) |
6.0 m + (20 ft +) |
4.5 m (15 ft) |
Medlar, Pear, Quince |
| Quince A (Semi-dwarfing) |
3.0-3.6 m (10-12 ft) |
3.6 m (12 ft) |
Medlar, Pear, Quince |
| Quince C (Dwarfing) |
2.4-3.0 m (8-10 ft) |
2.7 m (9 ft) |
Pear, Quince |
| St Julien A (Semi-vigorous) |
3.0-3.6 m (10-12 ft) |
3.6 m (12 ft) |
Almond, Apricot, Bullace, Cherry Plum, Damson, Nectarine, Peach, Plum |
| Torinel (Semi-vigorous) |
3.0-3.6 m (10-12 ft) |
3.6 m (12 ft) |
Apricot |
