Why good rootstocks make great fruit trees!
Imagine stepping out into your urban garden and plucking a fresh, juicy apple straight from your very own tree. While the idea of growing apple trees might seem challenging in limited spaces, there’s a solution that makes it possible: dwarfing rootstocks. These rootstocks allow apple trees to thrive in smaller areas, making them ideal for urban gardens.
What is a rootstock?
A rootstock is the lower portion of a stem which develops into the root system of the tree.
Onto this stem a bud from a different tree variety is grafted, so that both parts can grow as one tree.
All professionally grown apple trees (and most fruit trees) are grafted onto specially selected rootstocks, with the top fruiting portion, the scion, being different from the root system.
These rootstocks determine the characteristics of the tree, which include cold hardiness, disease resistance, size, and most importantly speed of growth.
For example: if a Granny Smith apple bud is grafted onto the stem of an M9 dwarfing rootstock, this guarantees:
- It will be a Granny Smith
- It will be a small tree, while maintaining its ability to produce full-size, good quality fruit.
- It will be fast bearing, producing fruit from its 2nd year.
If a fruit tree is grown from a seed, it will carry the characteristics of BOTH parent-trees, and if those trees were different, it would be a hybrid of both, there will be no knowing what variety you get, what size it will be, how long it will take to bear fruit, and if it will in fact bear fruit.
We have specifically chosen to supply apple trees on dwarfing rootstocks to our urban and peri-urban sectors because they are small, can be grown in limited spaces, and produce good quality fruit within 2 years. They are ideal for city gardens, small orchards, schools and community projects.
Because of the small root system they can be planted in containers, and close to walls, attached to trellises, they will not dominate other trees in your garden and can be integrated well into vegetable gardens.
The compact size of dwarfing trees also make them easier to manage. Pruning, harvesting, and pest control is simple, as you can reach all parts of the tree without a ladder.
So, by selecting the right rootstock, apple variety, and following proper care techniques, you can enjoy the beauty and deliciousness of homegrown apples right in the heart of your city. So, get ready to plant your dwarf apple trees and enjoy picking your own fresh fruit. Happy gardening!