Rootstocks explained illustration, I think from Johnstown Garden Centre
Fruit varities are grafted on rootstocks, which determine the trees height and vigour. This is a quick reference for the different rootstocks available.
A roostock is the well developed root system on which you graft a known fruiting variety. The rootstock you choose determines the height, diameter and vigour of the tree. As a rule of thumb, you only need to stake semi-dwarfing and smaller rootstocks.
This is the best rootstock diagram that I’ve found, from Johnstown Garden Centre
- Very dwarf 1.5m-2m
- Apple: M27
- Dwarf 1.8m-2.5m
- Apple: M9
- Pear: Quince C
- Cherry: Gisela 5
- Semi dwarf 2.2m-3m
- Apple: M26
- Apricot: Torinel
- Plum: Pixy, VVA-1
- Medium 2.5m-4m
- Apple: M116
- Semi-vigorous 2.5m-4.5m
- Apple: MM106
- Pear: Quince A
- Plum: St Julien A
- Cherry: Colt
- Vigorous 3.5m-4.5m
- Apple: MM111
- Pear: Pyrodwarf
- Very vigorous 4.5m+
- Apple: M25
- Pear: Pyrus communis, Pyrus Kirchensaller
- Cherry: F.12.1
- Plum: Brompton, Myrobolan
More detailed description on Orange Pippin Fruit Trees