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Does anyone know of a good rootstock for grafting apples onto. The grafting is the easy part, finding suitable rootstock isn't. All suggestions welcome.

We graft them onto quince.

Thanks contadina, but I have had no luck finding that either. I can't help but wonder if privet would work. The d--- things are everywhere! They are invading!

Hmmm....from what I remember of the woody growth on a privet hedge, I think you'd be very, very lucky for one to take. It's way too small, hard, and the sappy bit between the bark and the wood is not er.. sappy enough.

Quince is easily grown from pip, it controls the growth of the scions, and is deep-rooted and hardy, which is why it's used as a rootstock around here. If you have any suitable young almond trees, I'd be tempted to give it a try on those, or even a sour cherry at a pinch, but I doubt you'd get far with a privet.

Although I'd be delighted to be proved wrong.

I don't think the privet would work either, they are too convenient. Do any invasive species actually having a purpose? I have to cut down at least a dozen every year.

Will try the almond. Maybe the pears have put up some sprouts, if they have that will definitely work. Probably just more privet!

contadina wrote:We graft them onto quince.

Apples are only grafted onto a Malus rootstock typically M26.

Quince rootstocks are only every used for pears, quinces or medlars.

Checkout http://www.gb-online.co.uk/livecart/sho ... Rooted.138

Gray_Bale, thanks for that link. I've always had trouble finding people selling specific rootstocks. You only need to buy one and propagate from that.