How to Graft Apple Tree Rootstock

This page aims to give you some helpful resources about grafting apple tree rootstock. We cover where you can buy the rootstock, when is the best time of the year to do it. We also list some resources which describe the various methods of grafting apple tree rootstocks. If you want an overview of the rootstock types then click here first and then come back.

First, unlike any of the other subjects in this website, we have not actually grafted apple tree rootstock. But we have received a lot of queries about this subject. So treat this page as a starter which should help you with some of the common queries. Below we quote a typical email we receive about grafting and response we provided.

QUESTION
Can you let me know where I can obtain some M25 rootstock. I have an old farm orchard (over 100 years old) where 10 of the trees are currently ok but 10 others have fallen over but are still producing. I would like to graft some pieces of the original trees onto a new root, grow them on and replace the existing trees in before it is too late.

Can you let me know:

1. Where I can obtain some M25 rootstock
2. How much this is likely to cost
3. If this is the right time of year to think about tree grafting

Please help!!

Martin

ANSWER
Hi Martin,

I've never done grafting but here is a summary of what the RHS says about the timing.

There are a three commonly used forms of grafting apple trees and the timing depends on which method you use.

Chip budding and T budding grafting should occur any time from mid July to early September when the trees are in full growth.

Whip and tongue grafting should occur when the trees are dormant, January to early March are best.

The RHS page dealing with this subject can be found here.

As for where to buy M25 rootstock, the only one I could find is RV Roger. They cost �2 per rootstock. You need to contact them first to order them, because the rootstocks themselves need to be dug up off-site.

Whilst searching I did note that you can buy the commoner M26 and MM106 rootstocks plus the grafting knife and tape from Blackmoor's, all available to order online.

Good luck.

Dave

If your company sells apple tree rootstock then let us know and we will include a link to you here.

CLICK HERE FOR APPLE TREE ROOTSTOCK PAGE

Name: jim@GardenAction
E-mail: Private
Date posted: November 15, 2011 - 05:41 pm
Message: Try a commercial orchard who may advise you.

Name: bahman
E-mail: Private
Date posted: November 15, 2011 - 04:01 pm
Message: where ican obtain geneva rootstocks series near of toronto city. very thanks

Name: jim@GardenAction
E-mail: webmaster@gardenaction.co.uk
Date posted: October 23, 2011 - 04:45 am
Message: Hello Nizar

The best advice I can give for where you live is to find an orchard near you and ask what variety grows best for them.

Name: nizar zoghbi
E-mail: nizarzoghbi@hotmail.com
Date posted: October 21, 2011 - 05:18 pm
Message: i have a land 35000 meter in lebanon in a region were it's snow. it's 1400 meter above the ocean. i want to now and bye the right kind of apple tree that it's compatible in my land.please can u help me

Name: Dmitri Chisioglov
E-mail: Private
Date posted: August 19, 2011 - 03:10 am
Message: Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is Dmitri Chisioglov, and i am from Republic Moldova.I
represent moldavian company,,ESASE GRUP''SRL.My company is intrested
in your offer about tree of apple.The company need a tree of apples,
kind ,,Knip Boom''(rootstock type B9, 2 years old).
If your company can supply us with this type of trees, please write
or phone me on my contact adress as soon as possible.
Sincery,
Chisioglov Dmitri.

tel:(+373)60577566
fax:+373)527258

Name: john skillen
E-mail: john-jo2006@hotmail.com
Date posted: June 21, 2011 - 07:20 pm
Message: I watched a show on the bbc website. I discovered apples. I had no idea there even existed the possibility of grafting a tree to a tree and that it would even grow. I am totally facinated with the idea and disapointed that the types of apples especially british apples have been ignored by the easy eyed golden delicious or the new zealand ones we grow now. I have just discoverd your site. Long live the apple :) any info on scions, im sorry lacking information on this just started researching. I hope thats what their called, the cutting grafted on to the rootstock?

Name: ken muir,fruit trees
E-mail: roger@kenmuir.co.uk
Date posted: May 04, 2011 - 05:06 am
Message: We stock all forms of fruit trees,e-mail kenmuir.co.uk for a free brochure and advice.
Regards from all at Ken Muirs...

Name: Neil Smith
E-mail: mulcibar@barbarian09.plus.com
Date posted: December 15, 2010 - 01:20 pm
Message: Not sure how long ago Martin requested info. on grafting but Have undertaken apple graftin over the last 2 years and will be grafting 30+ trees this year.
M27 rootstocks are supplied by Blackmoor but if Martin is relacing an orchard then perhaps M26 or MM106 might be better.
M27 is a very dwarfing rootstock and suitable for pot growing and stepovers. If grown as a tree then permanent staking is required, the roots being very fibrous with no real anchoring tap roots.
Fruit can be small and will probably require thinning if a reasonable size of apple is required. RHS uses this rootstock for step-overs in the their fruit area.
The type of rootstock also depends on the soil conditions and siting for the trees.
The alternative as a mid-way rootstock is M9 but there is a susceptibility to brittle roots and so will need staking throughou its life especially is a windy location. It does however encourage large fruit and tolerates heavy or wet soils.
Like most things there is no perfect rootstock ; they all have benefirts and drawbacks.
Regarding grafting I tend towards "whip and tongue" grafting in March.Budding later in the season can be a problem in hot dry conditions if the graft is allowed to dry out.
Hope this helps
N.Smith