M-9 vs M-26 vs M-106 — which apple rootstock suits you?
The three apple rootstocks used at our nursery, compared directly to help you choose based on your land and goals.
M-9, M-26 and M-106 are the three apple rootstocks we use at the nursery. All three are well documented in international fruit growing and differ mainly in vigour — how large the tree grows and how quickly it starts bearing fruit.
M-9 — smallest tree, earliest cropping
A strongly dwarfing rootstock. Trees are smaller, crop earlier, and allow closer spacing, but need staking/trellising due to a limited root system. A good fit for high-density planting where you're prepared to invest in support.
M-26 — a balance of size and support
A semi-dwarfing rootstock, offering a balance between tree size and earlier cropping than a vigorous rootstock, with moderate staking needs — a middle-ground choice.
M-106 — a traditional tree, no staking
A semi-vigorous rootstock with good soil anchorage, suited to orchards without a support system. It's sensitive to waterlogging, so well-drained soil is recommended. The closest to a 'classic' unstaked orchard tree.
What affects the choice
Available space (more space favours M-106; limited space favours M-9/M-26); willingness to install staking (M-9, and to a lesser extent M-26, benefit from it); soil type (M-106 dislikes waterlogged soil); and timeline (M-9 crops earlier than M-106).
Not sure which rootstock suits your land? Message us on WhatsApp — we'll help you choose the right variety and rootstock combination.