Very few apple trees in orchards and private gardens are seedlings grown from seed. Normally, yielding varieties are propagated by copulating branches onto a rootstock.

Preserve the desired properties of a proven apple tree

Because pollination of an apple tree requires pollen from another tree, each core also contains the genetic information of two different parent plants. On the other hand, in order to be able to transfer the properties of a certain tree to a young seedling, it is necessary to graft a so-called scion onto a suitable growth base. As a base for an apple tree, growth bases such as:

  • the M9, often recognizable by a thickened trunk
  • the M27 popular in commercial cultivation
  • privately used seedlings from seeds

Desired properties of a rootstock for the apple tree

On the one hand, the purpose of using a root and stem system for a scion is to propagate a proven tree without changing its genetic properties. However, modern growth bases for apple trees also take into account changed requirements: Bases such as M9 are usually rather slow-growing, which results in limited height growth and thus makes harvesting easier. Nevertheless, apple rootstocks have a relatively strong root growth in order to be able to supply even strongly fruiting varieties with sufficient water and nutrients.

Attach a scion to a pad yourself

In order to use a self-grown apple seedling as a base for an apple tree, despite its rather unpredictable growth characteristics, the tree crown below its branching point must be severed from the actual trunk. Depending on the technique used, either a scion or a bud of the desired apple variety, known as a noble eye, is then copulated on the stem, which is cut off at an angle. The affected area is then protected from external influences with a suitable wound sealant for plants, as otherwise there is a risk of diseases or fungal infestation.

tips and tricks

Seedlings grown from seeds carry the genetic material of two apple trees and are therefore rather unpredictable in their growth. Nevertheless, they can be used in the hobby garden as a base for the scions of an apple variety.

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Trees