The 54-118 rootstock is a medium-sized or semi-dwarf rootstock for apple trees, developed in Russian breeding, with high winter hardiness. It is well-compatible with major apple varieties and is widely used for grafting one-year-old saplings. Trees grown on the 54-118 rootstock quickly establish themselves and grow vigorously, beginning to bear fruit as early as the 3rd to 4th year after planting.
Apple saplings grafted onto the 54-118 rootstock usually have a height of 1.7 to 2.0 meters, including the root system, and during transport, their height is reduced to 170-200 cm. The crown is formed by 2-5 or more lateral branches, ensuring good tree development. Trees on this rootstock are well-anchored in the soil, do not require constant support, and produce minimal root suckers, simplifying garden care.
The 54-118 rootstock is suitable for cultivation in various climatic zones, including the Forest Steppe, Polissia, and Carpathians. Tree height can be easily controlled through pruning, keeping them within a range of 3-3.3 meters. The rootstock thickness is 7-11 mm, and length is 70-100 cm, facilitating planting and subsequent care.
