Varieties that produce well west of the Cascades

There are apple trees available on several different rootstocks. All things being equal, the rootstock is what determines the size of the tree. Each rootstock has its advantages and disadvantages. We have trees of all apple varieties described in our catalog on dwarf M26.

Percent following descriptions are how big the tree will get as compared to a full size or standard tree.

P22 - a relatively new rootstock, producing a tree about 4-6 ft. tall. Needs good soil, permanent stake or trellis. (very dwarf) 25%. Good for growing in a container.

M9 - produces a tree about 6-8 ft. tall. Needs fertile, evenly moist soil, permanent stake or trellis. Prefers heavier clay soils over sandy soils. (dwarf) 33%. Bud 9 will also grow about the same size.

M26 - produces a tree about 8-10 ft. tall and sometimes 12 ft. tall with certain varieties. Needs well drained soil. Stake in early years, free standing once well established. (dwarf) 45%

M7 - produces a tree about 11-15 ft. tall. Takes heavier soil; gets roots suckers. Doesn't need staking after first year. (semidwarf) 55%

MM106 - produces a tree about 12-16 ft. tall. This well-anchored, drought-tolerant rootstock does well in light soil; doesn't sucker. Subject to crown rot in heavy soils. (semidwarf) 66%

MM111 - produces a tree nearly standard in size. Adapts well to poorly drained soil; doesn't sucker. Bears late, resists crown rot. 80%. Alnarp2 will grow a little larger - to about 90%.

Varieties on P22, M9, M26 and MM106 usually begin bearing after 2-3 years of age. Varieties on M7 and MM111 take a year or two longer than the others to begin bearing.

It is recommended that trees on M26 be planted 10-12 ft. apart. We have our mother trees planted 10 ft. apart on the square, 12 ft. apart would have been better.   Semidwarf trees should be planted about 15-16 ft. apart.

Trees on M26 and MM106 should not be planted in poorly drained clay soils whereas trees on M9 should not be planted in sandy loam soils. If you have more questions be sure to ask. We have a number of resource books and extension bulletins at which you are welcome to look.

The pear trees are grafted onto quince C , quince A, Pyrodwarf, and OHXF333.  Quince C will give you a tree about the size of an apple on Bud-9, about 6 - 8 ft. tall.  Quince A will give you a tree about the size of an apple on m-26, and OHXF333 being somewhat larger, about 15 - 16 ft. tall.  The plum trees on St. Julian A will be more semidwarf in their growth habit but we still have mother trees planted at 10 ft. apart. There are a few plum trees available on Pixie which is more dwarfing. The cherry trees are on Krymsk 5. They are dwarf to semi-dwarf, about 12 feet or so.

Send mail to wm@hartmannursery.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: December 14, 2007