Wild apple seedlings and rootstock apples

[Bowsnbucks]

For any of you guys who have wild apple seedlings planted, and / or have rootstocks that you've let grow out - what kind of fruit do you get from them ?? We have about 7 seedlings and rootstocks growing at camp. They aren't producing yet. I was wondering what we might get when they do.

 

[TMIL]

Here is an old thread about b118 fruit.

http://www.habitat-talk.com/index.php?threads/b118-fruit.5214/

 

[rocksnstumps]

We have a fair amount of wild trees growing in the ditches and fencerows around my land and the neighbors. Maybe around 1 in 10or12 are good eaters. My buddy knows which ones to check out when we go bird huntn in October as his grandfather's farm was just down the road from my place. Mostly smaller 2.5-3" and look for the holes. Might get to eat most of one though. The deer clean em all up or least them and the other critters. Got some pears here too. No crabapples till we started planting them in the last 15 yrs though. Them farmers wanted to eat stuff not look at pretty flowers in the spring.....

 

[rocksnstumps]

Another thread on B118 and a few more varieties

http://www.habitat-talk.com/index.php?threads/b118-has-fruited-results-reported.4161/

 

[yoderjac]

For any of you guys who have wild apple seedlings planted, and / or have rootstocks that you've let grow out - what kind of fruit do you get from them ?? We have about 7 seedlings and rootstocks growing at camp. They aren't producing yet. I was wondering what we might get when they do.

As for seedlings, every apple grown from seed is a new variety. If you knew both parents, you might be able to somewhat predict the characteristic of the seedlings, but even that would be nothing more than an educated guess. Some trees will be precocious and others won't. The fruit characteristics can vary quite a bit as well.

I'm using a strategy where I'm growing some from seed and grafting others to root stock. I like the genetic diversity that seedlings provide. I figure that I can always top work a tree later with a known variety if I don't like its fruiting characteristics.

Thanks,

Jack

 

[Bowsnbucks]

Thanks for the links guys !! The GRIN pic of B-118 shows what might be expected. The seedling apples I got from SLN and I guess I'll just have to wait & see what they produce. I know each seedling can be different, genetics-wise. Clonal rootstocks are more predictable in their fruiting. I had forgotten about those previous threads you guys mentioned. Thanks for pulling them up !!

 

[Bowsnbucks]

Thanks NH. What is Borowinka ?? I've heard of Duchess of Oldenburg - Borowinka ........ new name to me.

 

[Bowsnbucks]

Thanks Stu and NH. I added the link to " out on a limb " to my favorites list. I like that kind of stuff !! The history of Duchess & Borowinka rootstock is pretty fascinating. Tough genetics.

 

[chummer]

I have about 20 wild trees and they are all different. We have been making apple sauce for a month or so and they all make great sauce. I am trying an experiment with rootstocks. I planted 25 B.118 last year and will plant a different root stock this year. I got great growth out of the rootstocks in a drought year so I am hoping these might be the true plant it and forget approach.

 

[rocksnstumps]

Doing something similar to Chummer, planted a dozen Renetka crab two years ago and will probably do some Antonovka next spring. Those two varieties/rootstocks cause that's what a local conservation club offers most years as part of wildlife seedlings. They don't do any regular apples though. Figure I can always learn to graft and top work some down the road too. These probably won't be quick producing but I have others stuff already planted from years past.

 

[Bowsnbucks]

NH - ( post #15 ) I've read some of John Bunker's writings and seen some video of him doing seminars and demonstrations. Walking encyclopedia of apple info !! Thanks for the info though.

I like the fact that so many guys on this forum contribute info of all sorts from numerous states. And it includes links and references to other sources of info for us to pursue further. Lots of good stuff on here !! I've learned a TON, thanks to so many guys on here. Thanks to all.