M.27,M.9 interstem MM.111 rootstock

Characteristic Detail            Description
Rootstock M.27,M.9 interstem MM.111 rootstock

Because many dwarfing rootstocks have less than the desired level of cold resistance and trees on all dwarfing rootstocks require support, dwarf rootstocks are sometimes used as interstems to combine the desirable characteristics of a vigorous understock and the dwarfing interstem. Interstem trees consist of three parts: a dwarfing rootstock (usually M.9 or M.27) is used as the interstem and is grafted onto a vigorous rootstock (usually MM.111 or MM.106) and the

M.27, M.9 interstem with MM.106 rootstock

Characteristic Detail            Description
Rootstock M.27, M.9 interstem with MM.106 rootstock

Because many dwarfing rootstocks have less than the desired level of cold resistance and trees on all dwarfing rootstocks require support, dwarf rootstocks are sometimes used as interstems to combine the desirable characteristics of a vigorous understock and the dwarfing interstem. Interstem trees consist of three parts: a dwarfing rootstock (usually M.9 or M.27) is used as the interstem and is grafted onto a vigorous rootstock (usually MM.111 or MM.106)

Apple Rootstocks: Understanding and Choosing the Right Rootstock

Interstem Apple Trees

Because many dwarfing rootstocks have less than the desired level of cold resistance and trees on all dwarfing rootstocks require support, dwarf rootstocks are sometimes used as interstems to combine the desirable characteristics of a vigorous understock and the dwarfing interstem.

Interstem trees consist of three parts:

  1. A vigorous rootstock (usually MM.111 or MM.106) 
  2. A dwarfing (usually M.9 or M.27) interstem is grafted to the rootstock. The interstem is usually about 6” long, but additional dwarfing can be obtained by

Will an apple tree grow differently if I plant the graft union high above the soil or close to the ground?

The planting depth is critical, especially for trees on dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstocks. When planting, dig the hole deep enough to allow the tree to be planted with the graft union 2 to 3 inches above the ground. If the tree is planted too deep and the graft union is below the ground level, the scion variety will form roots and the tree will become a standard-sized tree. Also, if the graft union is buried, the tree may send up …