P18 rootstock - Pros and Cons?

[rocksnstumps]

Ordered some trees from Cummins this year. They seem to offer a fair amount of trees on P18 when you want semi/standard size trees. Will see how they do. B118 is no longer the favorite child like it was 8-10 yrs ago it seems. Sure still see it but not as much. I might have to dig a bit more on their site if they talk about rootstocks any.

 

[gunfun13]

I have very sandy loam, Chestnut Crab on P18 has been one of my best growers. It's 6 or 7 years old, ~20' tall, 4-5" caliper at the base, but has only produced a handful of fruit each of the last 3 years. My hope is once it's starts really bearing fruit it will be measured in bushels.

 

[bigboreblr]

Hows your pH at your place gunfun? Any rootstocks do particuarly bad where your at? What usda zone are you?

 

[gunfun13]

Hows your pH at your place gunfun? Any rootstocks do particuarly bad where your at? What usda zone are you?

Typically in the Mid 5s range, I've started added pelletized lime mixed with triple 12 to my trees in spring the last couple years.

Only rootstock issue I've really experienced has been about half my B118 trees lean. No issues with M7, M111, P18 or Dolgo.

I'm zone 6. Southern Michigan.