Fruit Trees: Understanding the rootstocks

Choosing the right fruit tree starts with understanding its rootstock. Rootstocks play a crucial role in controlling the tree’s overall size and growth, as well as enhancing its resistance to diseases and adaptability to different soil conditions. With a variety of rootstocks available – each offering unique benefits – we’ve created a helpful guide to make it easier for you to find the perfect fruit tree for your garden.

M27 rootstocks are true dwarfs, often use to create charming Step-over apple trees. Typically growing no taller than 2 metres, they are perfect for small gardens and containers. Thanks to their compact size, they don’t need much support, although if they produce a heavy crop, adding a permanent stake will help to provide extra stability. M27 rootstocks are also popular as they usually start producing fruit in their first year and require very little pruning, making them a good low-maintenance option.

Join us in-store for browsing Step-over fruit trees, with varieties such as Red Windsor and Tickled Pink being excellent choices.

M26 rootstocks are semi-dwarfing and typically grow up to around 2.5 metres, making them a great choice for bush trees or cordons in smaller spaces. Ideal for if you’re looking for a free-standing fruit tree, they are fairly sturdy, although adding a stake will provide extra support and stability for the root system, giving a guarantee they will thrive for years to come. Just to note, they require gardens with good-quality soil.

Popular fruit tree varieties grown on M26 rootstocks include Bramley Seedling and Paradice Gold, both known for their excellent fruit quality.

MM106 rootstocks are a great choice if you’re looking for a larger, more productive fruit tree, as they reach up to 4m in height. They’re well suited to home gardens and small orchards, offering excellent fruit quality and higher yields, often with earlier cropping than other rootstocks. They are also popular due to their versatility, as they adapt well to a range of soil types and growing conditions, and offer good resistance to many common diseases. Whether you’re looking to grow bush trees, cordons or trained forms, an MM106 rootstock is a reliable option.

Popular varieties include Blenheim Orange and Malus Spartan. Join us in-store for browsing these and many more.