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Fruit Tree Specification & Rootstocks Guide

Fruit Tree Specification & Rootstocks Guide

When specifying fruit trees, variety and rootstock are the two most important factors. Almost all fruit trees are grafted onto rootstocks. The rootstock is the most important factor in determining the vigour and eventual size of the tree.

The choice of rootstock will therefore determine the suitability of the tree for the position and the form in which you intend to grow it. Please find below a list of rootstocks and their characteristics, including mature height, spread, Planting distance, yield and form types.

Apple

 Apples, Fruit Tree Specification & Rootstocks Guide Apple: M27 (Very dwarfing )

Requirements: Good soil conditions. Ground should be clear of weeds and grass. Permanent staking required. Water in dry conditions.

Mature height: 4-6ft (1.2-1.8m)

Spread: 5ft (1.5m)

Planting distance: 4-5 ft (1.2-1.5m) apart, 6ft (1.8m) between rows

Mature yield: 10-15lb (4.5-7kg)

Bearing age: 2 years

Suitable forms: Dwarf pyramid, centre leader, step-over

Apple: M9 (Dwarfing )

Requirements
Good soil conditions. Ground should be clear of weeds and grass. Permanent staking required. Water in dry conditions.

Mature height: 6-8ft (1.8-2.4m)

Spread: 9ft (2.7m)

Planting distance: 8-10ft (2.4-3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows

Mature yield: 25-50lb (11-23kg)

Bearing age: 2/3 years

Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, centre leader, cordon

Apple: M26 (Semi-dwarfing )

Requirements: Can be grown in all reasonable soil conditions including grass orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: 8-10ft (2.4-3m)

Spread: 12ft (3.6m)

Planting distance: 8-12ft (2.4-3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows

Mature yield: 30-80lb (13.5-36kg)

Bearing age: 2/3 years

Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, centre leader, cordon, minaret, espalier, container

Apple: MM106 (Semi-vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including grassed orchards and relatively poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: 10-13ft (3-4m)

Spread: 13ft (4m)

Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows

Mature yield: 50-100lb (23-56kg)

Bearing age: 3/4 years

Suitable forms: Half standard, bush, cordon, espalier, container

Apple: MM111 (Vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including grassed orchards and poor soils. Staking preferable but not necessary if planted as a one year old. Stake for first 3 years if planted as 2/3 year trees.

Mature height: 13-15ft (4-4.5m)

Spread: 15ft (4.5m)

Planting distance: 15ft (4.5m) apart, 20ft (6m) between rows

Mature yield: 100-400lb (45-180kg)

Bearing age: 4/5 years

Suitable forms: Standard, half standard, large espalier

Apple: M25 (Very vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including grassed orchards and poor soils. Staking preferable but not necessary if planted as a one year old. Stake for first 3 years if planted as 2/3 year trees.

Mature height: Over15ft (4.5m)

Spread: 20ft (6m)

Planting distance: 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows

Mature yield: 200-400lb (90-180kg)

Bearing age: 5/6 years

Suitable forms: Standard

Pear

peartree, Fruit Tree Specification & Rootstocks Guide

Pear: Quince C (Dwarfing )

Requirements: Good fertile soil. Ground should be clear of weeds and grass. Stake for at least the first 5 years and preferably permanently.

Mature height: 8-10ft (2.4-3m)

Spread: 9ft (2.7m)

Planting distance: 9ft (2.7m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows

Bearing age : 3/4 years

Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, centre leader, cordon, espalier

Pear: Quince A (Semi-dwarfing )

Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including relatively poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height : 10-12ft (3-3.6m )

Spread: 12ft (3.6m)

Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 4/5 years

Suitable forms: Suitable Forms: Half standard, bush, cordon, espalier, container

Pear: Pyrodwarf (Semi-vigorous )

Requirements; A new relatively dwarfing pear rootstock. Can be used for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: Over 15ft (4.5m)

Spread : 15ft (4.5m)

Planting distance: 15ft (4.5m) apart, 20ft (6m) between rows

Bearing age; 4/5 years

Suitable forms: Half Standard

Pear: Pyrus (Very vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including poor soils and grassed orchards. Staking preferable for the first 3 years.

Mature height: Over 20ft (6m)

Spread: 15ft (4.5m)

Planting distance; 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows

Bearing age; 5/6 years

Suitable forms: Standard

Plum

plum, Fruit Tree Specification & Rootstocks Guide

Plum: VVA-1 (Dwarfing )

Requirements; A new dwarfing rootstock for plums. Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.

Mature height: 7-9ft (2-2.7m)

Spread; 9ft (2.7m)

Planting distance: 8ft (2.5m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows

Bearing age: 3 years

Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan

Plum: Pixy (Semi-dwarfing )

Requirements: Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.

Mature height: 8-10ft (2.4-3m)

Spread; 10ft (3m)

Planting distance; 10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows

Bearing age; 3 years

Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan

Plum: WA-VIT (Semi-dwarfing )

Requirements: A new semi-dwarfing rootstock for plums, damsons, apricots and peaches. Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively dry conditions. Stake for the first 5 years

Mature height; 9-11ft (2.7-3.3m)

Spread: 11ft (3.3m)

Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 4 years

Suitable forms: Bush, Half Standard, Fan

Plum: St. Julien A (Semi-vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m)

Spread: 12ft (3.6m)

Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 4/5 years

Suitable forms; Half standard, bush, fan

Plum: Brompton (Very vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: Over 15ft (4.5m)

Spread: 15ft (4.5m)

Planting distance: 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 4/5 years

Suitable forms: Standard

Peach

peaches, Fruit Tree Specification & Rootstocks Guide Peach: VVA-1 (Dwarfing )

Requirements: A new dwarfing rootstock for plums. Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.

Mature height: 7-9ft (2-2.7m)

Spread: 9ft (2.7m)

Planting distance: 8ft (2.5m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows

Bearing age: 3 years

Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan

Peach: Pixy (Semi-dwarfing )

Requirements: Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.

Mature height: 8-10ft (2.4-3m)

Spread: 10ft (3m)

Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows

Bearing age: 3 years

Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan

Peach: WA-VIT (Semi-dwarfing )

Requirements: A new semi-dwarfing rootstock for plums, damsons, apricots and peaches. Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively dry conditions. Stake for the first 5 years

Mature height; 9-11ft (2.7-3.3m)

Spread; 11ft (3.3m)

Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows

Bearing age; 4 years

Suitable forms; Bush, Half Standard, Fan

Peach: St Julien A (Semi-vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m)

Spread: 12ft (3.6m)

Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows

Bearing age; 4/5 years

Suitable forms; Half standard, bush, fan

Peach: Krymsk 86 (Semi-vigorous )

Requirements: A new rootstock suitable for peaches, nectarines and almonds. Can be used for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: n/a

Spread: n/a

Planting distance: n/a

Bearing age; 4/5 years

Suitable forms; n/a

Peach: Brompton (Very vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height; Over 15ft (4.5m)

Spread; 15ft (4.5m)

Planting distance: 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 4/5 years

Suitable forms; Standard

Nectarine

Nectarine_Fantasia, Fruit Tree Specification & Rootstocks Guide

Nectarine: VVA-1 (Dwarfing )

Requirements: A new dwarfing rootstock for plums. Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.

Mature height; 7-9ft (2-2.7m)

Spread: 9ft (2.7m)

Planting distance: 8ft (2.5m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows

Bearing age: 3 years

Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan

Nectarine: Pixy (Semi-dwarfing )

Requirements: Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.

Mature height; 8-10ft (2.4-3m)

Spread: 10ft (3m)

Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows

Bearing age: 3 years

Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan

Nectarine: WA-VIT (Semi-dwarfing )

Requirements: A new semi-dwarfing rootstock for plums, damsons, apricots and peaches. Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively dry conditions. Stake for the first 5 years

Mature height: 9-11ft (2.7-3.3m)

Spread: 11ft (3.3m)

Planting distance; 10ft (3m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 4 years

Suitable forms: Bush, Half Standard, Fan

Nectarine: St Julien A (Semi-vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m)

Spread: 12ft (3.6m)

Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 4/5 years

Suitable forms: Half standard, bush, fan

Nectarine: Krymsk 86 (Semi-vigorous )

Requirements: A new rootstock suitable for peaches, nectarines and almonds. Can be used for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: n/a

Spread: n/a

Planting distance: n/a

Bearing age; 4/5 years

Suitable forms; n/a

Nectarine: Brompton (Very vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: Over 15ft (4.5m)

Spread: 15ft (4.5m)

Planting distance: 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 4/5 years

Suitable forms: Standard

Apricot

moorpark-apricot-tree, Fruit Tree Specification & Rootstocks Guide

Apricot: VVA-1 (Dwarfing )

Requirements; A new dwarfing rootstock for plums. Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.

Mature height; 7-9ft (2-2.7m)

Spread; 9ft (2.7m)

Planting distance; 8ft (2.5m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows

Bearing age; 3 years

Suitable forms; Bush, pyramid, small fan

Apricot: Pixy (Semi-dwarfing )

Requirements: Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.

Mature height; 8-10ft (2.4-3m)

Spread; 10ft (3m)

Planting distance; 10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows

Bearing age; 3 years

Suitable forms; Bush, pyramid, small fan

Apricot: WA-VIT (Semi-dwarfing )

Requirements: A new semi-dwarfing rootstock for plums, damsons, apricots and peaches. Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively dry conditions. Stake for the first 5 years

Mature height: 9-11ft (2.7-3.3m)

Spread; 11ft (3.3m)

Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows

Bearing age; 4 years

Suitable forms: Bush, Half Standard, Fan

Apricot: Torinel (Semi-dwarfing )

Requirements: A new rootstock suitable for apricots. Can be used for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m)

Spread: 12ft (3.6m)

Planting distance; 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows

Bearing age; 4/5 years

Suitable forms; Half standard, bush, fan

Apricot: St Julien A (Semi-vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m)

Spread: 12ft (3.6m)

Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 4/5 years

Suitable forms; Half standard, bush, fan

Apricot: Brompton (Very vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: Over 15ft (4.5m)

Spread: 15ft (4.5m)

Planting distance: 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 4/5 years

Suitable forms: Standard

Cherry

Cherry Lapins, Fruit Tree Specification & Rootstocks Guide

Cherry: Gisela 5 (Semi-dwarfing )

Requirements: Good fertile soil. Ground should be cleared of weeds and grass. Staking required for the first 5 years. Very sensitive to systemic herbicides such as Glyphosate the use of which should be avoided around young trees.

Mature height: 8-10ft (2.4-3m)

Spread: 10ft (3m)

Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows

Bearing age: 3 years

Suitable forms: Bush, small fan

Cherry: Colt (Semi-vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including relatively poor soils and grassed orchards. Staking preferable but not necessary if planted as a one year old. Stake for first 3 years if planted as 2/3 year trees.

Mature height: 12-15ft (3-4.5m)

Spread: 15ft (4.5m)

Planting distance: 15ft (4.5m) apart, 20ft (6.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 4/5 years

Suitable forms: Half standard, bush

Cherry: F12/1 (Very vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including poor soils and grassed orchards. Staking preferable but not necessary if planted as a one year old. Stake for first 3 years if planted as 2/3 year trees.

Mature height: Over 20ft (6m)

Spread: 20ft (6m)

Planting distance: 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 5/6 years

Suitable forms: Standard

Medlar

Mespilus, Fruit Tree Specification & Rootstocks Guide

Medlar: Quince C (Dwarfing )

Requirements: Good fertile soil. Ground should be clear of weeds and grass. Stake for at least the first 5 years and preferably permanently.

Mature height; 8-10ft (2.4-3m)

Spread: 9ft (2.7m)

Planting distance: 9ft (2.7m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows

Bearing age: 3/4 years

Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, centre leader, cordon, espalier

Medlar: Quince A (Semi-dwarfing )

Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including relatively poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m )

Spread: 12ft (3.6m)

Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows

Bearing age; 4/5 years

Suitable forms: Suitable Forms: Half standard, bush, cordon, espalier, container

Medlar: Pyrodwarf (Semi-vigorous )

Requirements; A new relatively dwarfing pear rootstock. Can be used for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: Over 15ft (4.5m)

Spread: 15ft (4.5m)

Planting distance: 15ft (4.5m) apart, 20ft (6m) between rows

Bearing age: 4/5 years

Suitable forms: Half Standard

Medlar: Pyrus (Very vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including poor soils and grassed orchards. Staking preferable for the first 3 years.

Mature height: Over 20ft (6m)

Spread: 15ft (4.5m)

Planting distance; 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 5/6 years

Suitable form: Standard

Medlar: Crataegus (Semi-dwarfing )

Requirements: Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is commonly used as a rootstock for medlars. Suitable for a wide range of soils including grassed orchards and relatively poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m )

Spread: 15ft (4.5m)

Planting distance: 15ft (4.5m) apart, 20ft (6.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 3/4 years

Suitable forms; Bush, half standard

Quince

Quince, Fruit Tree Specification & Rootstocks Guide

Quince: Quince C (Dwarfing )

Requirements: Good fertile soil. Ground should be clear of weeds and grass. Stake for at least the first 5 years and preferably permanently.

Mature height: 8-10ft (2.4-3m)

Spread: 9ft (2.7m)

Planting distance: 9ft (2.7m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows

Bearing age: 3/4 years

Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, centre leader, cordon, espalier

Quince: Quince A (Semi-dwarfing )

Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including relatively poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m )

Spread: 12ft (3.6m)

Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows

Bearing age
4/5 years

Suitable forms
Suitable Forms: Half standard, bush, cordon, espalier, container

Quince: Pyrus (Very vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including poor soils and grassed orchards. Staking preferable for the first 3 years.

Mature height: Over 20ft (6m)

Spread: 15ft (4.5m)

Planting distance: 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 5/6 years

Suitable forms; Standard

Almond

almond, Fruit Tree Specification & Rootstocks Guide

Almond: St Julien A (Semi-vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m)

Spread: 12ft (3.6m)

Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 4/5 years

Suitable forms: Half standard, bush, fan

Bullace

Sloes, Fruit Tree Specification & Rootstocks Guide

Bullace: VVA-1 (Dwarfing )

Requirements: A new dwarfing rootstock for plums. Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.

Mature height: 7-9ft (2-2.7m)

Spread: 9ft (2.7m)

Planting distance: 8ft (2.5m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows

Bearing age: 3 years

Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan

Bullace: Pixy (Semi-dwarfing )

Requirements: Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.

Mature height: 8-10ft (2.4-3m)

Spread: 10ft (3m)

Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows

Bearing age: 3 years

Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan

Bullace: WA-VIT (Semi-dwarfing )

Requirements: A new semi-dwarfing rootstock for plums, damsons, apricots and peaches. Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively dry conditions. Stake for the first 5 years

Mature height; 9-11ft (2.7-3.3m)

Spread: 11ft (3.3m)

Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 4 years

Suitable forms: Bush, Half Standard, Fan

Bullace: St Julien A (Semi-vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height; 10-12ft (3-3.6m)

Spread; 12ft (3.6m)

Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 4/5 years

Suitable forms: Half standard, bush, fan

Bullace: Brompton (Very vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: Over 15ft (4.5m)

Spread: 15ft (4.5m)

Planting distance: 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 4/5 years

Suitable forms: Standard

Cherry Plum

prune, Fruit Tree Specification & Rootstocks Guide

Cherry Plum: VVA-1 (Dwarfing )

Requirements: A new dwarfing rootstock for plums. Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.

Mature height: 7-9ft (2-2.7m)

Spread: 9ft (2.7m)

Planting distance: 8ft (2.5m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows

Bearing age: 3 years

Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan

Cherry Plum: Pixy (Semi-dwarfing )

Requirements: Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.

Mature height: 8-10ft (2.4-3m)

Spread: 10ft (3m)

Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows

Bearing age: 3 years

Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan

Cherry Plum: WA-VIT (Semi-dwarfing )

Requirements; A new semi-dwarfing rootstock for plums, damsons, apricots and peaches. Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively dry conditions. Stake for the first 5 years

Mature height: 9-11ft (2.7-3.3m)

Spread: 11ft (3.3m)

Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 4 years

Suitable forms: Bush, Half Standard, Fan

Cherry Plum: St Julien A (Semi-vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m)

Spread: 12ft (3.6m)

Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 4/5 years

Suitable forms: Half standard, bush, fan

Cherry Plum: Brompton (Very vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: Over 15ft (4.5m)

Spread: 15ft (4.5m)

Planting distance: 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 4/5 years

Suitable forms: Standard

Damson

damson, Fruit Tree Specification & Rootstocks Guide Damson: VVA-1 (Dwarfing )

Requirements: A new dwarfing rootstock for plums. Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.

Mature height: 7-9ft (2-2.7m)

Spread: 9ft (2.7m)

Planting distance: 8ft (2.5m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows

Bearing age: 3 years

Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, small fan

Damson: Pixy (Semi-dwarfing )

Requirements: Requires good fertile soil and ground cleared of weeds and grass. Stake for the first 5 years. Requires watering in dry conditions.

Mature height: 8-10ft (2.4-3m)

Spread: 10ft (3m)

Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows

Bearing age: 3 years

Suitable forms; Bush, pyramid, small fan

Damson: WA-VIT (Semi-dwarfing )

Requirements: A new semi-dwarfing rootstock for plums, damsons, apricots and peaches. Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively dry conditions. Stake for the first 5 years

Mature height: 9-11ft (2.7-3.3m)

Spread: 11ft (3.3m)

Planting distance: 10ft (3m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 4 years

Suitable forms: Bush, Half Standard, Fan

Damson: St Julien A (Semi-vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: 10-12ft (3-3.6m)

Spread: 12ft (3.6m)

Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 4/5 years

Suitable forms: Half standard, bush, fan

Damson: Brompton (Very vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for most soil conditions including poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: Over 15ft (4.5m)

Spread: 15ft (4.5m)

Planting distance: 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows

Bearing age: 4/5 years

Suitable forms: Standard

Crab Apple

crab appletree, damson, Fruit Tree Specification & Rootstocks Guide Crab Apple: M27 (Very dwarfing )

Requirements: Good soil conditions. Ground should be clear of weeds and grass. Permanent staking required. Water in dry conditions.

Mature height; 4-6ft (1.2-1.8m)

Spread: 5ft (1.5m)

Planting distance: 4-5 ft (1.2-1.5m) apart, 6ft (1.8m) between rows

Mature yield: 10-15lb (4.5-7kg)

Bearing age: 2 years

Suitable forms: Dwarf pyramid, centre leader, step-over

Crab Apple: M9 (Dwarfing )

Requirements: Good soil conditions. Ground should be clear of weeds and grass. Permanent staking required. Water in dry conditions.

Mature height; 6-8ft (1.8-2.4m)

Spread: 9ft (2.7m)

Planting distance: 8-10ft (2.4-3m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows

Mature yield; 25-50lb (11-23kg)

Bearing age: 2/3 years

Suitable forms: Bush, pyramid, centre leader, cordon

Crab Apple: M26 (Semi-dwarfing )

Requirements: Can be grown in all reasonable soil conditions including grass orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height: 8-10ft (2.4-3m)

Spread: 12ft (3.6m)

Planting distance: 8-12ft (2.4-3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows

Mature yield: 30-80lb (13.5-36kg)

Bearing age: 2/3 years

Suitable forms; Bush, pyramid, centre leader, cordon, minaret, espalier, container

Crab Apple: MM106 (Semi-vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including grassed orchards and relatively poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.

Mature height; 10-13ft (3-4m)

Spread: 13ft (4m)

Planting distance: 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows

Mature yield: 50-100lb (23-56kg)

Bearing age; 3/4 years

Suitable forms; Half standard, bush, cordon, espalier, container

Crab Apple: MM111 (Vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including grassed orchards and poor soils. Staking preferable but not necessary if planted as a one year old. Stake for first 3 years if planted as 2/3 year trees.

Mature height: 13-15ft (4-4.5m)

Spread: 15ft (4.5m)

Planting distance: 15ft (4.5m) apart, 20ft (6m) between rows

Mature yield: 100-400lb (45-180kg)

Bearing age: 4/5 years

Suitable forms: Standard, half standard, large espalier

Crab Apple: M25 (Very vigorous )

Requirements: Suitable for a wide range of soils including grassed orchards and poor soils. Staking preferable but not necessary if planted as a one year old. Stake for first 3 years if planted as 2/3 year trees.

Mature height : Over15ft (4.5m)

Spread: 20ft (6m)

Planting distance: 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows

Mature yield: 200-400lb (90-180kg)

Bearing age: 5/6 years

Suitable forms: Standard

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