P18 rootstock - Pros and Cons?

[Apple Junkie]

The M.111 and B.118 have always been my go-to rootstocks because they build a bigger tree, and still produce in a reasonable timeframe (for me, 2 to 5 yrs.). But I think the P.18 might become my new preferred rootstock if what I am reading is true. Chickenlittle has found these trees don't take forever to produce, well inside my preferred 5yr. window. Like bowsnbucks, I have tree-climbing bears to contend with, so the bigger the better in my book, and the P.18 builds an almost full-size tree. Finally, if it's true the P.18 seems to tolerate damp ground, that gives me some leeway in where I might add a few trees. I have learned to temper my expectations, but I have some on order for this spring, and I can't wait to see how the do on my ground. Thanks for the input guys.

 

[Diesel5610]

The M.111 and B.118 have always been my go-to rootstocks because they build a bigger tree, and still produce in a reasonable timeframe (for me, 2 to 5 yrs.). But I think the P.18 might become my new preferred rootstock if what I am reading is true. Chickenlittle has found these trees don't take forever to produce, well inside my preferred 5yr. window. Like bowsnbucks, I have tree-climbing bears to contend with, so the bigger the better in my book, and the P.18 builds an almost full-size tree. Finally, if it's true the P.18 seems to tolerate damp ground, that gives me some leeway in where I might add a few trees. I have learned to temper my expectations, but I have some on order for this spring, and I can't wait to see how the do on my ground. Thanks for the input guys.

This is what I have been thinking the last week or two. I have some spots where the trees definitely have to deal with "wet soils". I am going to try some this year and see how they do.

 

[Telemark]

I think I will get a bunch too. I have been trying to find out more about this rootstock, but there isnt much info available out there.

 

[Prof.Kent]

Well it's a massive waste of 10-20 years and however many trees if it can be avoided.

That is true. Sometimes I forget I am speaking to mere mortals. :-)

 

[loosechange]

What would you consider prolonged periods of time? Anyone have experience with Malus Fusca (pacific crab) for a wet feet root? I’ve seen it mentioned it may tolerate water better than others.

I see a lot of fusca growing wild, in really marginal places along the AK coast (in pools of water in muskeg and atop bedrock in salty spray...) so the wet-feet-thing can be verified. However they're pretty small diameter, at least the ones I've seen, so I'm doubtful of their robustness. AND, my admittedly minor sample size of four whip grafts I've done onto fusca have initially taken, but all snapped off clean later during the summer, leading me to question how compatible they are, at least for brittleness.

Some forum readings elsewhere say 'Winter Banana' can be compatible w/ fusca, alone or as an interstem. Anyone ever tried that? I don't have any WB to try it with, but I'd do the work and report back if anyone can send me cuttings in the next 3 wks.

 

[chickenlittle]

I have a couple malus fusca planted 3 years ago. Planted in full sun on bank by a spring in our old pasture. Caged and a weedmat. So far they haven't done much, still below the top of the cages. Moist location but just above the wet area. Was hoping for more from them.

 

[chummer]

How about hardiness for it?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not sure what varieties I have on it but they have been in the ground a few years. I think my dolgo are on it. I will check next time I am up.

 

[chummer]

Not sure what varieties I have on it but they have been in the ground a few years. I think my dolgo are on it. I will check next time I am up.

I had dolgo, liberty, and enterprise on it. Dolgo’s are doing great. All but one liberty and one Enterprise are dead but I wouldn’t blame the rootstock for that.

 

[chummer]

Not the best pic but this is a dolgo planted 2015. It is about 9' tall, should have some fruit this year.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[chummer]

Try again

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[MM Ryan]

Are you guys burying the graft union on P18 at planting or leaving it above the soil?

 

[cavey]

Are you guys burying the graft union on P18 at planting or leaving it above the soil?

"burying the graft union" I think that would negate the whole purpose of the P18 Rootstock.

 

[Bowsnbucks]

I leave the graft unions above finished soil level, - by about 2".

 

[DrDirtNap]

I started this post in 2018.... just want to bring it back up to the top to see if there are any updates on the performance of P18 rootstock.
I can tell you that my experience has been very good. i grafted a few trees to P18 and one produced this year. The growth and vigor of these trees has been excellent.
Anybody have any other experiences?

 

[ToddG]

P18 has performed great for me. It is my preferred root stock.

 

[White Birch Farm]

I have several on P18 in poorly drained soils that are wet in winter and spring. All are doing well. I am shying away from B118 as it doesnt anchor well with very vigorous trees.

 

[chickenlittle]

I have quite a few on P18. Either grafted trees from Cummins planted in 2015 or my own grafts from 2015 or 2016. I had a nice crop on a Cummins Goldrush in 2018 that had me really excited but not much from that tree since. That might be my tallest tree, close to 20ft tall. A Cummins honeycrisp on P18 had a nice crop this year. A Freedom I grafted on P18 might have a nicest form of any tree I have. Some crabs on P18 have stayed pretty small trees yet.

I showed several in my recent orchard post.

My orchard photos

I’ll post some photos of my orchard this year. Many trees had few or none after frosts.

www.habitat-talk.com