Apple tree advice please

[lbt]

Hi

I want to buy an apple tree and I have seen a lovely variety that has been grown on M9 rootstock. Would it be possible to train this to a column shape?

Many thanks

[FB.]

Yes, most apples can be trained as a column.

If it has already been trained as a bush, it might take a lot of pruning work to re-train it (depending on where the current branches are).

M9 is quite a weak rootstock that prefers moist and fertile soil. On droughty or poor soils it may struggle to survive.

With rootstocks, it is generally slightly better to err on the side of a little more vigour than not enough vigour: you can easily control vigour with mid-July pruning, but it can be much more difficult to increase vigour.

[lbt]

Thanks FB

It's supplied on a 1 year old, single stem bare root plant so that should be okay. Our soil is pretty good too.

What rootstock is a bit more vigorous? I'd like to grow two trees and train them as columns so they can pollinate each other. The reason I have my heart set on this particular tree (Redlove) is because it is the first variety to have red flesh.

Do you know of a good book or website on training trees please? I been gardening for some time but haven't done this before so I'd like to find out more before they are delivered.

Many thanks

[rustylady]

Found this link for you, don't know if it will be as much help as FB though How To Prune Apple Trees - page 6

[FB.]

Maidens should be very easy to train as columns.
I would suggest not pruning the main upright stem - they will naturally form side branches up and down the stem and the side branches can be pruned in summer to control their length, or in winter to make secondary branches grow from the side branches - depending on how you want them to shape-up.

Some varieties naturally form lots of branches, while a few are difficult to persuade to branch.

Which variety are you planning to grow on M9 rootstock?

The rootstock size classes are:
M27 (very dwarf)
M9 (dwarf)
M26 (semi-dwarf)
MM106 (semi-vigorous)
MM111 (vigorous)
M25 (very vigorous)

There's an apple tree size estimator that tries to account for rootstock, soil quality and the variety >here< but bear in mind that it is intended for bush or tree shapes. When growing as a trained form, the shape and size is pretty much what you want it to be.

[chrisguk]

M26 is generally the one up in vigour from an M9, although be aware that it may take up to 4 or 5 years for a tree on an M26 to produce fruit.

*FB posted while i was reading/posting.