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What is the smallest you can keep an M26 apple?
Realistically, what is the smallest you can keep an apple on an M26 rootstock through pruning and still have it flower and fruit (not at full capacity, obviously maybe two-thirds or even half full yields, since M26 seems to yield a lot)?
Height isn't really so much a problem, it's width I'm concerned about.
I only really have the space for an M9 size tree, you see, but they're rather hard to get hold of. Not that many places sell them, and those that do the selection isn't great and they're more expensive. Most places seem to just do M26 (and M27, and MM106. They just skip over M9).
What about a vertical cordon, they're tall and narrow, aren't they? What's the yield like with a cordon? And can you grow one from a two-year-old tree, or do you need to start with an unfeathered maiden?
Also, although I'm asking about a cordon, I'd still like to know what they smallest you can keep a bush is.
1 Answer
- sciencegravyLv 77 years agoFavorite Answer
If you're willing to put the work into it, you can pretty much keeping it whatever size you want. Even 6 to 8 feet. Or less. Have you heard of Bonsai? I have a lime tree that I use modified bonsai techniques on - it's in a pot, and I keep it about 6 feet tall and 2 feet wide. And have for years.
Have no fear, your tree will flower and produce even if you keep it pruned small.
There are apple trees that are naturally tall but skinny, growing only 2-3 feet wide. They look like telephone poles with stunted limbs. Look for "Columnar" apple trees, and you should be able to find at least a dozen varieties. The nursery near my house sells 2 or 3 kinds every spring.
You can certainly go for a vertical cordon with your apple trees, but it will be less work if you simply purchase a columnar variety. You can fit a bunch of those into a small garden.