What Kind of Apples Grow on a True Dwarf Tree?

Why Rootstock?

• When grown from seed, mature apple trees approach 20 feet tall. Such a large size makes harvesting all of the apples impractical, and most home gardeners don't have enough room to grow more than one tree this size. In addition, the genetic variety in apple seeds is so great that the seed of one apple never reproduces the same type of apple when planted. Apple tree researchers solved these problems by grafting onto tested rootstocks.

Benefits of Dwarf Rootstock

• When a scion -- a shoot with buds -- from one apple cultivar is grated onto a rootstock, the rootstock determines the final size of the mature tree and affects the time it takes to see the first fruit. True dwarf trees are 30 to 40 percent as tall as a standard apple tree, or 8 to 10 feet tall. Dwarf rootstock also makes the tree bear fruit two or three years faster than standard-size trees. Both benefits appeal to home gardeners.

True-Dwarf Rootstocks

• M.9 is the most commonly used dwarf rootstock in commercial apple production, dwarfing the tree to around 8 feet tall. Trees grown on M.9 produce a large crop of apples after only two years, but clones have been created to improve other characteristics. For example, Bud.9 increases the winter hardiness of the tree, G.11 allows planting only 2 to 3 feet from the next tree, and G.16 or G.41 rootstocks increase resistance to fireblight.

Care of Dwarf Trees

• Dwarf trees do require some special care. Some dwarf trees stop growing, or slow their growth, at their first crop of fruit. Until it has reached the desired height, be patient and keep the tree from bearing fruit by pinching off the blooms. Dwarf trees also require permanent staking because they have brittle roots. A 2-by-2-inch stake about 8 feet tall should be used as a permanent support for all true-dwarf trees.