Mazzard F12/1 rootstock - Ask Extension
Hello, a local nursery is selling sweet cherries on Mazzard F12/1 as semi-dwarfs, but I thought this was a standard rootstock? I know you can keep a t...
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Mazzard F12/1 rootstock #816727
Asked November 20, 2022, 3:24 PM EST
Hello, a local nursery is selling sweet cherries on Mazzard F12/1 as semi-dwarfs, but I thought this was a standard rootstock? I know you can keep a tree to whatever height you want with enough effort, but is it manageable for a homeowner to keep a tree on F12/1 to ~15ft? They also have trees on Gisla-5 rootstock, but I'm worried that might not be vigerous enough. Would it be better to find trees on true semi-dwarf stock? Specifically considering Stella, Lapins, Chelan, and Rainier varieties.
Thank you
Linn County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi James,
Mazzard trees can be very vigorous (growing between 20-30 ft) when planted in very productive soils, with high nutrient and water holding capacities. You would need to prune these trees very hard to keep them compact. I would also suggest some summer pruning to control vigor. Depending on your soil type, Gi. 5 may work very well as it is tolerant of heavy soils. It will be a more compact tree, and it will produce fruit sooner.
You can also look at https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/catalog/auto/PNW619.pdf for more information about rootstocks. In addition, the variety publication I sent you yesterday also has some information about rootstock and variety combinations that tend to work well together.
Mazzard trees can be very vigorous (growing between 20-30 ft) when planted in very productive soils, with high nutrient and water holding capacities. You would need to prune these trees very hard to keep them compact. I would also suggest some summer pruning to control vigor. Depending on your soil type, Gi. 5 may work very well as it is tolerant of heavy soils. It will be a more compact tree, and it will produce fruit sooner.
You can also look at https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/catalog/auto/PNW619.pdf for more information about rootstocks. In addition, the variety publication I sent you yesterday also has some information about rootstock and variety combinations that tend to work well together.
What rootstock would you recommend for a home orchard in the central Willamette Valley? I'd like to keep the trees in the 12-15ft range without exhaustive pruning effort. Based on extension service info, I wanted to find trees on Krymsk 6, but have not been able to locate a source. It seems Gisela 5, F12/1, and Colt are what is available. I'm worried about the disease sensitivity and small size of Gisela 5, but F12/1 and Colt seem like they'd produce very large trees that would require a lot of pruning. Help?
Hi James,
As you noted, Colt and F 12/1 will be about the same size. They can be big trees and you will need to keep up with pruning and summer prune them to keep them a manageable size.
Gi. 5 is a smaller more manageable tree for home orchardists (in my opinion). This tree can be kept pedestrian for picking and pruning. Gi. 5 will need good drainage, so keep that in mind.
I can't tell you what to plant since I am not familiar with your property and the soils in the Willamette Valley. As a home grower, I would be inclined to select Gi. 5 due to it's compact and nature, and ability to bear fruit sooner.
As you noted, Colt and F 12/1 will be about the same size. They can be big trees and you will need to keep up with pruning and summer prune them to keep them a manageable size.
Gi. 5 is a smaller more manageable tree for home orchardists (in my opinion). This tree can be kept pedestrian for picking and pruning. Gi. 5 will need good drainage, so keep that in mind.
I can't tell you what to plant since I am not familiar with your property and the soils in the Willamette Valley. As a home grower, I would be inclined to select Gi. 5 due to it's compact and nature, and ability to bear fruit sooner.
