Apple Rootstock

While we have young stool beds growing, in the meantime we import rootstock from Oregon. Aside from the headache (paperwork) of importing and distance, we are very happy with our supplier's quality, and are happy to offer small scale and backyard operations with rootstock. Every August, we prepare a rootstock order for the following spring, and our order comes up on the pool truck with all the other Ontario orders. Because of this, we aren't able to guarantee ship dates with rootstock orders, as we are at the mercy of the nursery and pool truck; the shipment typically comes in March-April.

If you require more than 1000 rootstocks, we recommend importing it yourself.

We offer the following rootstock varieties:

B9 - Dwarf:

• History: B9 (aka Bud 9 or Budagovsky 9) was developed at the Michurinsk College of Agriculture in Russia as part of a series of cold hardy rootstocks. It is a cross between M8 and Red Standard.
• Why We Use It: B9 is an extremely hardy variety that encourages early bearing and high yields. The red leaves and inner wood makes it easy to distinguish from the scionwood.
• Growth Habits: Dwarf, reaches 8-10ft tall, precocious, minimal suckering, requires permanent staking, suitable for espalier
• Disease Resistance: Resistant to fireblight and collar rot
• Graft Compatibility: Good

EMLA 26 - Dwarf/Semi-Dwarf:

• History: M26 was developed at the East Malling Research Station in England and is a cross between M9 and M16. In 1973, EMLA 26 was released as a virus-free clone of M26 and named EMLA after the East Malling and Long Ashton Research Stations that created it. It is considered a dwarfing rootstock although it is quite vigorous so the resulting trees are between dwarf and semi-dwarf height. It is commonly used around the world.
• Why We Use It: This rootstock produces a smaller tree that (depending on the area) doesn't need permanent staking like most dwarf rootstocks. It is very precocious and produces heavy crops.
• Growth Habits: Dwarf/semi-dwarf, reaches 8-12ft tall, very precocious, does not require permanent staking in sheltered locations, suitable for espalier, not particularly cold hardy
• Disease Resistance: Susceptible to to collar rot and fireblight
• Graft Compatibility: Compatibility issues with certain varieties including Golden Delicious and many triploid varieties

B118 - Semi-Dwarf:

• History: B118 (aka Budagovsky 118 and Bud118) was developed at the Michurinsk College of Agriculture in Russia as part of a series of cold hardy rootstocks. It is a cross between Moscow Pear, M8, and M9.
• Why We Use It: While we prefer EMLA 106 due to its superior graft compatibility, B118's excellent cold hardiness has made it our go-to for grafting our cold hardy semi-dwarf trees. It's red leaves and inner wood makes the rootstock much easier to distinguish from the scionwood.
• Growth Habits: Semi-dwarf, reaches 12-15ft tall, very cold hardy and vigorous
• Disease Resistance: Somewhat resistant to collar rot and fireblight
• Graft Compatibility: Medium - good take with certain cultivars

EMLA 106 - Semi-Dwarf:

• History: MM106 was released in 1932 as part of a joint breading program between the East Malling and Merton Research Stations. It is a cross between M2 and Northern Spy. In 1973, EMLA 106 was released as a virus-free clone of MM106 and named EMLA after the East Malling and Long Ashton Research Stations that created it. It is very commonly grown. 
• Why We Use It: EMLA 106 is our go-to rootstock when it comes to grafting semi-dwarf trees that are zone 4-5. It produces well and is decently vigorous, plus it has good graft compatibility.
• Canadian Hardiness Zone: 4
• Growth Habits: Semi-dwarf, reaches 12-15ft tall, nice balance of vigour and production, trees are well-anchored, suitable for most soil types
• Disease Resistance: Somewhat susceptible to moisture/collar rot
• Graft Compatibility: Good

Antonovka - Full Size:

• History: Antonovka was developed by renowned Russian plant breeder I.V. Michurin and released in 1888. Although the fruit of this hardy variety is less popular outside of its homeland, it has been commonly used as rootstock due to its unique ability to stay almost true to type and its strong root system.
• Why We Use It: As a standard full-size rootstock, Antonovka became our go-to for full-size trees. The strong root system and decent cold hardiness makes it a good candidate for most locations.
• Canadian Hardiness Zone: 4
• Growth Habits: Full-size, reaches 16-20ft tall, very vigorous, produces a strong and deep root system which makes it fairly drought tolerant