Fruit-tree rootstocks explained

A grafted fruit tree is made up of two parts: the variety — the upper part, which gives the fruit its familiar characteristics (taste, colour, shape) — and the rootstock — the roots and base of the trunk, onto which the variety is grafted. The rootstock doesn't change the fruit's flavour, but it directly affects tree vigour, final size, when it starts bearing fruit and, in some cases, how well it adapts to certain soils.

Why rootstock choice matters

Two trees of the same variety, grafted on different rootstocks, can differ in size and behaviour in the orchard. Dwarfing or semi-dwarfing rootstocks give smaller trees, which crop earlier and allow closer spacing, but often need staking. Vigorous rootstocks give larger trees, with better soil anchorage, suited to traditional orchards without a support system, but with later cropping. The right choice depends on the space available, the training system you want and your orchard's goals.

Apple rootstocks

We use three apple rootstocks: M-9 (strongly dwarfing, earliest cropping, needs staking), M-26 (semi-dwarfing, a balance between size and support) and M-106 (semi-vigorous, good anchorage, no staking needed). See our M-9 vs M-26 vs M-106 comparison for a direct comparison.

Plum rootstock

Myrobalan (Prunus cerasifera) — a vigorous, traditional plum rootstock, well adapted to a wide range of soils, including heavier ones. Used for all our plum varieties.

Apricot rootstock

Apricot seedling — the traditional apricot rootstock, generally vigorous and well suited to well-drained soils. Used for our apricot varieties.

Sweet cherry and sour cherry rootstocks

Mahaleb — a traditional rootstock suited to drier, more calcareous soils, moderate to vigorous. Gisela 6 — a modern, semi-dwarfing cherry rootstock, giving smaller trees than traditional rootstocks like Mahaleb, with earlier cropping and easier harvesting, suited to higher-density orchards. Wild cherry — a traditional, vigorous rootstock with good general adaptability. See our cherry and sour cherry varieties.

Peach and nectarine rootstock

Almond — good drought tolerance, suited to more calcareous or drier soils. Used for our peach and nectarine varieties.

Pear rootstock

BA-29 — a quince rootstock (Provence selection), semi-vigorous, among the more vigorous quince rootstocks currently used, early into bearing and productive, tolerant of heavy, moist soils. Used for our pear variety.

Choosing the right rootstock

The simplest approach is to tell us the space you have available and whether you plan to use a support system (trellis) — we'll recommend the right variety-and-rootstock combination. For planning a whole new orchard, see our guide to starting an orchard.