What are rootstocks? The key to a thriving fruit tree

If you’ve ever shopped for a fruit tree, you might have noticed the term ‘rootstock’ floating around – but what are rootstocks, exactly?

Well, it’s about time we demystified them, because they’re really important when it comes to choosing bare-root trees and container-grown trees. Rootstocks control the ultimate size of a tree and how much fruit it produces every year, among other things.

If you’re looking for a fruit tree that thrives in the space you have, rootstocks should be the first thing you look at. Below, you’ll find a no-nonsense explainer of what rootstocks are, and the key types you’ll find at the garden centre.