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A glass of crisp apple cider, perfect for autumn.

Proven way to grow 3 Apple Cider trees

This guide outlines a reliable method for cultivating three apple cider trees from rootstock. It covers essential steps from initial preparation to planting, ensuring a strong foundation for healthy growth and future cider production.
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Prep Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 3 trees
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Equipment & Materials
  • 3 units MM111 or M111 Apple Rootstock (MM111 is preferred, M111 is acceptable)
  • 3 pieces Apple scion wood for grafting (dormant, from a desired cider apple variety)
  • Large bag Potting soil (well-draining)
  • 3 Pots (at least 5-gallon size)
  • 1 Grafting knife
  • 1 roll Grafting tape or parafilm
  • 1 Pruning shears
  • 1 Watering can
  • Optional Fertilizer (balanced slow-release)

Equipment

  • Grafting Knife
  • Grafting Tape
  • Pruning Shears

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Obtain three dormant MM111 or M111 apple rootstocks and three dormant apple scion wood pieces from your desired cider apple variety.
  2. Ensure all rootstock and scion wood are healthy and free from damage or disease, then gather all necessary grafting tools like a grafting knife, tape, and pruning shears.
Grafting Process
  1. Make a clean, angled cut on the rootstock about 6-8 inches from the root crown, ensuring it is a smooth, flat surface.
  2. Prepare the scion wood by making a matching angled cut at the base, creating a wedge shape that fits snugly onto the rootstock.
  3. Align the cambium layers of the scion and rootstock, which are the green layers just beneath the bark, as precisely as possible to ensure successful grafting.
  4. Securely wrap the grafted area with grafting tape or parafilm, ensuring it is airtight to prevent drying out and promote healing, and repeat for all three trees.
Potting and Care
  1. Fill three 5-gallon pots with well-draining potting soil and carefully plant each grafted tree, ensuring the graft union is about an inch above the soil line.
  2. Water the newly potted trees thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pots, then place them in a location that receives ample sunlight.
  3. Maintain consistent moisture in the soil, watering when the top inch feels dry, and consider applying a balanced slow-release fertilizer according to product instructions to support initial growth.

Notes

This method is best performed in late winter or early spring when both rootstock and scion wood are dormant. The MM111 rootstock is semi-dwarfing and provides good anchorage, making it suitable for a variety of soil conditions. Be meticulous with your cuts and cambium alignment for a higher grafting success rate.