Duluth Community Garden Program > Rootstock Infromatin

Malling 7 (M7)

-A semi dwarf root about 5-10% larger than M26
-Root suckers are the main detractor
-In most soils tree support is a good idea, particularly in new plantings
-This rootstock is winter hardy and adapts to a wide range of soils and management styles

Malling 26 EMLA(M26)

-Standard semi dwarf rootstock, widely planted where more vigor is required
-Precocious but fire blight susceptible
-This is a good rootstock for medium density orchards with lower vigor scions
-A clone of EMLA 26, M26 Adult, is a European selection that has fewer burr knots but other growth characteristics are the same

Information taken from www.cameronnursery.com

Apple Rootstocks

Standard

Standard rootstock will produce full-sized trees. In rich soil standard trees may grow to a height of 20–25' at full maturity. Standard trees will generally begin bearing 5–8 years after planting. Hardy to zone 3.

Malling 7A–A

semi-dwarfing rootstock which will produce trees that are approximately 60% the size of standard apple trees. This will generally result in trees that are approximately 12–15' tall and 14' wide at maturity. This rootstock will cause trees to produce fruit at an earlier age— usually 4–5 years after planting. Malling 7A rootstock is reliably hardy in zones 4–6 and may be used in zone 3 if subject to reliable snow cover (2–4") during the coldest winter periods.

Malling 26

This dwarfing rootstock will produce trees that are approximately 45% the size of standard apple trees. This will result in trees that are approximately 9–12' tall and 10' wide at maturity. This rootstock will cause trees to produce fruit at an even earlier age—often 3–4 years after planting. The trees are generally freestanding but in the early years of bearing some temporary staking may be required to avoid leaning. Malling 26 is one of the hardiest and most productive dwarf rootstocks (hardier than M7A). It is completely hardy in zones 4–6 and may be used as far north as zone 3 if subject to reliable snow cover during the coldest winter periods.

Dwarfing rootstocks will only reduce the size of the tree, not the size of the fruit. Dwarf trees are easier to prune, spray and harvest.

Bud unions on dwarf trees should be planted at least 2" above ground level to avoid scion-rooting and the loss of dwarfing characteristics.

Our understocks are budded 6" above ground. This allows for the tree to be planted 6" deeper for better anchoring and better winter hardiness.

Standard sizing: Apples and crabapples
7/16 inch, trees are 3 feet or taller

(Note: The DCGP experience is that the trees are much taller than 3 feet - perhaps 5–7 feet tall.)

This information is taken from the Bailey Nurseries catalo
www.baileynurseries.com