What is Rootstock?

A rootstock is part of a plant, often an underground part, from which new above-ground growth can be produced. It could also be described as a stem with a well developed root system, to which a bud from another plant is grafted.

Rootstocks offer a healthy, established root system by which a fruit variety can grow. They may be selected for traits such as size, resistance to drought, root pests, and diseases and are used commonly for fruit plants and trees that don’t breed true from seed.

Rootstocks not only determine the overall size, vigor, and precociousness of a tree but also what soil types it can grow in, its drought tolerance, and how well anchored your tree will be.

Lovell

Not every type of fruit is suitable for growing on every type of rootstock. Soft (or stone) fruits such as peaches, nectarines and apricots grow best on a variety of rootstock called Lovell rootstock.

Lovell rootstock produces a strong and well anchored tree with resistance to bacterial canker. It tolerates cold and wet soils and bears fruit within 2-3 years and grows to 12-18 feet tall.

EMLA 7

Produces a semi-dwarf apple tree from 11-16 feet tall. Trees can begin bearing in 3-4 years. It is cold hardy to -35 degrees F. and does well on wet soils. Suckers need to be removed each year. May need ongoing support if site is windy and fruit loads are large.

M9

The M.9 T337 rootstock, part of the Malling 9 series, is a dwarfing variety perfect for high-density apple orchards, reducing tree size to 25-30% of standard and facilitating early, abundant fruiting. It provides good root anchorage and compatibility with multiple apple varieties.

Gisela

Gisela is a dwarfing rootstock that is extremely precocious and produces fruit within 1-2 years after planting. It appears to have a high resistance for cherry tree viruses and no suckering problems. 

The tree may require some anchoring/assistance for heavy crop loads and is adaptable to all soil types.