What do these mean?

[mermaidmama]

I'm looking into ordering some fruit trees and was wondering if anyone could tell me what the following terms means?

Dwarf on bud
Dwarf on M-27
Dwarf on apple
on apple seedling
on root
in liner pots

[sidandspencersmom]

I think Dwarf is the type of fruit tree, such as Dwarf Apple tree doesn't get as big as a regular apple tree, which is a good thing. You will still get a lot of fruit, and you'll be able to reach them without a ladder.

The "on bud" part refers to the root stock that it is on. Most fruit trees are grafted on to other tree's root stock. This makes the tree more hardy and produce more. Basically, they take a branch from a fruit tree and "stick" it onto the bottom of a different tree. It's a good thing.

I don't know about the other things you mentioned. I guess you could call them.

[RoamingWidgeteer]

These terms all have to do with what/how the fruit tree is grafted. Picking the right combo is very important because it affects yield, disease resistance, and tree maintenance. I would recommend going to a local nursery and asking what works well in your area. Personally I prefer semi-dwarfs for apples but it really depends on how much space you have. Dont get a full sized one unless you like climbing ladders a lot!

[A_Random_Phrase]

Online nurseries might answer your questions or an online search. I've never come across all of that. Talking to several local nurseries may help, also. Most fruit trees are not grown on their natural roots, as mentioned above. I, personally, like dwarf trees because I'm more likely to be able to reach more of the fruit, but I think they are not as long-lived as standard (sized) trees.

[RoamingWidgeteer]

Yup. Dwarfs like M27 only get 10 years old. And at 3 ft tall, wont have much crop either.

[RoamingWidgeteer]

Here's an online nursery I like for their selection and info:
Raintree Nursery. They have different categories for standard, semi, dwarf, columnar & cider.

Being in California, have you considered a fig tree?

[mermaidmama]

re

No I havent considered fig. I don't really eat much fig.

So how long would a semi dwarf live compared to a dwarf?

Thanks for all the help. This is confusing.

[RoamingWidgeteer]

Originally Posted by mermaidmama

No I havent considered fig. I don't really eat much fig.

Plant what you'll eat

So how long would a semi dwarf live compared to a dwarf?

I dont know how old semi-dwarfs will get, but 40+ years seems like a safe answer.

[lmonter]

Originally Posted by mermaidmama

So how long would a semi dwarf live compared to a dwarf?

I believe a dwarf gets around 6-10 feet tall, a semi-dwarf up to 10-15-20 feet tall, and regular up to... 30+ feet if you don't prune 'em.

Originally Posted by mermaidmama

I'm looking into ordering some fruit trees and was wondering if anyone could tell me what the following terms means?

Dwarf on bud
Dwarf on M-27
Dwarf on apple
on apple seedling
on root
in liner pots

They're different root stocks. Some are hardier/more cold tolerant than others, some more long lasting than others (ever seen a 100-120yo cherry tree? I have! a Royal Anne!), and others help limit the size of the tree. I could hazard a guess at some of those listed, but may not be 100% accurate as I don't work in a nursery (although even then I seem to know more than some nursery folks in my town, sigh).