What are scions and rootstocks?
Apple trees are normally grafted – two trees joined together in order to improve the quality of both. In so doing the part of the tree that is above ground, the scion, is the variety that gives the tree its name, e.g., Wealthy or Red Baron. It has desirable, quality apples. The rootstock you don’t see much of because most, though not all, of it is below ground level. It’s important because it influences hardiness, disease and insect resistance, years to maturity, size, vigor, drought tolerance, and more. Both the scion and rootstock are dependent upon one another for total quality.
