Rootstocks are usually grown from seeds. Good material should be used for root stock, i.e. plants with a well developed root system and resistance to soil-borne diseases. The seedlings are kept in the nursery longer and are grown to a bigger than normal planting size, since they have to fit with the scions. For most species the plants will be about 50–70 cm high when grafting takes place. Therefore seedlings should be grown in relatively big pots, i.e. at least 10–15 cm diameter, depending on species. The root stock is fit for grafting when the stem is about 0.6–1.2 cm diameter at the upper third.
The root stock should be tendered carefully before and after the grafting.
