[princesslayer]

Hello,

Anyone knoe what rootstock you use for grafting medlar, or even if it's possible?  Anyone tried it before?  I have a lovely old medlar tree, never grafted before, but have a very young apple orchard. I'd like to put a few medlar in with the apples.

Thanks

[clydesdaleclopper]

You can graft them onto hawthorn

[HesterF]

I got this from the Keepers nursery website about the root stocks they use for Medlar (clearly Mesiplus is not very informative - I've never heard of it before either so might have a quick google later):

Rootstocks
 
Fruit trees are propagated onto rootstocks. The rootstock is the most important factor in determining the vigour and eventual size of the tree. The choice of rootstock is therefore very important as it will determine the suitability of the tree for the position and the form in which you intend to grow it. Please find below a list of rootstocks and their characteristics. 

Medlar:  Quince C  (Dwarfing ) 
Requirements Good fertile soil. Ground should be clear of weeds and grass. Stake for at least the first 5 years and preferably permanently.
Mature height 8-10ft (2.4-3m) 
Spread 9ft (2.7m) 
Planting distance 9ft (2.7m) apart, 12ft (3.6m) between rows
Mature yield 
Bearing age 3/4 years 
Suitable forms Bush, pyramid, centre leader, cordon, espalier

 
Medlar:  Mespilus  () 
Requirements 
Mature height 
Spread 
Planting distance 
Mature yield 
Bearing age 
Suitable forms

 
Medlar:  Quince A  (Semi-dwarfing ) 
Requirements Suitable for a wide range of soils including relatively poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.
Mature height 10-12ft (3-3.6m ) 
Spread 12ft (3.6m) 
Planting distance 12ft (3.6m) apart, 15ft (4.5m) between rows
Mature yield 
Bearing age 4/5 years 
Suitable forms Suitable Forms: Half standard, bush, cordon, espalier, container

 
Medlar:  Pyrodwarf  (Semi-vigorous ) 
Requirements A new relatively dwarfing pear rootstock. Can be used for most soil conditions including relatively poor soil and grassed orchards. Stake for the first 5 years.
Mature height Ove 15ft (4.5m) 
Spread 15ft (4.5m) 
Planting distance 15ft (4.5m) apart, 20ft (6m) between rows
Mature yield 
Bearing age 4/5 years 
Suitable forms Half Standard

 
Medlar:  Pyrus  (Very vigorous ) 
Requirements Suitable for a wide range of soils including poor soils and grassed orchards. Staking preferable for the first 3 years.
Mature height Over 20ft (6m) 
Spread 15ft (4.5m) 
Planting distance 20ft (6m) apart, 25ft (7.5m) between rows
Mature yield 
Bearing age 5/6 years 
Suitable forms Standard

 
Medlar:  Crataegus  (Semi-dwarfing ) 
Requirements Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is commonly used as a rootstock for medlars. Suitable for a wide range of soils including grassed orchards and relatively poor soils. Stake for the first 5 years.
Mature height 10-12ft (3-3.6m ) 
Spread 15ft (4.5m) 
Planting distance 15ft (4.5m) apart, 20ft (6.5m) between rows
Mature yield 
Bearing age 3/4 years 
Suitable forms Bush, half standard

I guess your decision should be based on what root stocks you're using for the apples and trying to match the sizes if possible (although Medlar is slow growing so you might want a slightly more vigorous root stock for the Medlar).

[suziequeue]

As well as the recommended root stock for your scion, I agree with Hester that you also need to take your growing conditions into consideration - so a more vigorous rootstock may be worth considering if your soil quality or aspect is less ideal.

[princesslayer]

Great advice, thanks.  I'm new to grafting so it's all very experimental.  The soil is good but can be wet through winter.  I also graze livestock under it so I want it to be fairly high above the guard so the bottom leaves aren't easily browsed by sheep. Lots to think about there.  Better get on with it though!