Rootstocks explained: Choosing the right fruit tree for your garden.

What is a rootstock?

A rootstock is the root system onto which a fruit variety is grafted. When you buy a fruit tree, the named variety (the part that produces the fruit) is grafted (joined) onto a different plant’s roots. Those roots are known as the rootstock.

While the variety determines the type, flavour, and harvest time of the fruit, the rootstock controls how the tree grows.

 

What do rootstocks do?

Rootstocks play a crucial role in the long-term success of a fruit tree. They influence the final size of the tree, staking requirements, soil tolerance, speed of fruiting and ease of management.

Choosing the right rootstock is just as important as choosing the variety. A well matched rootstock leads to a healthier tree, better yields, and fewer problems over time.

 

Apple rootstocks

M9

A very dwarfing apple rootstock, ideal for small gardens and trained forms such as cordons and espaliers.

Final height: ~1.8–2.4 m

Staking: Permanent support required

Soil: Best in fertile, well-drained soil with good moisture retention; struggles in poor or dry ground.

M26

A small to medium apple rootstock, larger than M9 but still suitable for most gardens.

Final height: ~2.4–3.0 m

Staking: Usually permanent, especially on exposed sites

Soil: Performs well in average garden soils; avoid very wet or very dry conditions.

MM106

A medium-vigour apple rootstock commonly used for larger gardens and traditional orchards.

Final height: ~3.0–4.0 m

Staking: Stake for 3–5 years until well established

Soil: Adaptable, but must be well-drained; unsuitable for waterlogged ground.

 

Pear rootstocks

Quince A

The standard semi-dwarf rootstock for pears, producing manageable, productive trees.

Final height: ~3.0–4.5 m

Staking: Stake for around 5 years

Soil: Prefers fertile, moisture-retentive soils; not ideal for chalky or drought-prone sites.

BA29

A slightly more vigorous and tougher alternative to Quince A, often chosen for difficult soils.

Final height: ~3.0–4.0 m

Staking: Stake when young; usually self-supporting once established

Soil: More tolerant of chalky, alkaline and drier soils than Quince A.

 

Cherry rootstocks

Colt

A semi-vigorous cherry rootstock suited to free-standing trees and larger spaces.

Final height: ~5.0–6.0 m

Staking: Recommended, particularly in exposed locations

Soil: Very adaptable; performs well on clay, loam, and lighter soils.

Gisela 5

A dwarfing cherry rootstock producing compact trees that crop early and heavily.

Final height: ~2.4–3.0 m

Staking: Permanent support required

Soil: Needs fertile, well-drained soil and good aftercare to perform well.

 

Plum, Gage & Damson rootstocks

St. Julien A

A reliable medium-vigour rootstock widely used for plums and related stone fruits.

Final height: ~4.5–5.0 m

Staking: Stake for 4–5 years

Soil: Very tolerant of heavier soils, making it an excellent all-round choice.

 

Which rootstock should I choose?

For small gardens or trained trees:

Choose M9 or M26 (apples) or Gisela 5 (cherry). These stay compact but need staking and good soil.

For medium-sized, free-standing trees:

Choose MM106 (apple), Quince A or BA29 (pear), or St Julien A (plum). These offer a good balance of size and resilience.

For heavier or more challenging soils:

BA29, Colt, and St Julien A are generally more tolerant of clay, chalk, or drier conditions.

If you want minimal staking long-term, avoid very dwarfing rootstocks. MM106, BA29, Colt, and St Julien A usually become self-supporting once established.

Rule of thumb:
Smaller rootstocks need more care and support; larger rootstocks need more space but are more forgiving.