Set of 2 Prunus Colt PBR – Cherry rootstock in a 9cm pot

Would you like to graft a cherry tree yourself? If so, Prunus Colt PBR is a strong and reliable rootstock to start with. This cherry rootstock has already been potted, meaning you are not dependent on the short rootstock season in winter.

Standard rootstocks are usually only sold as bare-root plants when the plants are fully dormant. This Colt rootstock is already potted and can therefore be planted, cared for and grown for much of the year. Ideal if you need one or a few rootstocks, or if you want to get started gently with growing your own cherry tree.

Colt is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a cherry tree that grows vigorously, yet remains more manageable than a tree on a very vigorous seedling rootstock. This makes Colt well-suited to larger gardens, smaller orchards and food forests.

Key features at a glance:

Groeikracht: Semi-dwarf to medium-vigorous. Colt grows to a height of approximately 75% to 90% on a standard cherry rootstock. This makes the tree easier to manage, whilst still giving it enough vigour to develop into a sturdy cherry tree.

Fruit set: Colt usually gets off to a slower start than weaker rootstocks, but can subsequently produce a reliable yield. With proper care and a suitable cherry variety, you can expect the first fruits after a few years.

Service life: Medium to long. Given a suitable location and proper care, a cherry tree on a Colt rootstock can live for around 30 to 50 years. This is an indication; the actual lifespan depends on factors including soil, pruning, care, water management and the grafted variety.

Soil and location: Colt is suitable for many different soil types. This rootstock copes better with heavier and slightly damper soils than some other cherry rootstocks, such as Gisela 5. However, good drainage remains important, as cherry trees do not like having their roots waterlogged for long periods. In dry soil, extra watering is important, particularly during hot spells and in the first few years after planting.

Compatibility: Colt is suitable for many varieties of sweet and sour cherries. This makes it an excellent rootstock for customers who wish to graft a cherry tree themselves. Always use healthy grafting wood and ensure you use the correct grafting technique to maximise your chances of success.

Hardiness: Colt is suitable for typical Dutch and Belgian conditions. Do you have a very cold, open or windy location? If so, it is best to choose a sheltered, sunny spot so that the young tree can establish itself properly.

Resistance: Colt is known as a vigorous rootstock and has some resistance to, amongst other things, Phytophthora root rot and bacterial canker. Healthy soil, good drainage and vigorous growth remain important for the tree to develop properly.

Support: Colt does not normally require a permanent support stake. However, in the first few years, a temporary support stake may be useful to help the young tree grow straight and stable.

What criteria do we use for selection?

When selecting these rootstocks, we focus primarily on straight growth in the first 30 cm of the stem, a strong base, a good root system and the quality of the rootstock. The foliage is of lesser importance here. Small holes, brown spots or older leaves may appear during the season and do not usually affect the quality of the rootstock or its suitability for grafting at a later date.

Who is Colt suitable for?

Colt is a good choice if you want to grow a sturdy cherry tree that doesn’t grow too large, but still has plenty of vigour. This rootstock is well suited to larger gardens, small orchards and food forests.

Colt remains smaller than Gisela, but this means it grows stronger and more robust. Ideal if you want to grow a sturdy cherry tree that can thrive on its own.

Do you have a very small garden, or do you want to keep your cherry tree compact? In that case, a weaker rootstock such as Gisela might be a better choice. Would you prefer a vigorous cherry tree with more growth potential and a taller habit? Then Colt is a good choice.

Why choose a potted rootstock?

With a potted rootstock, you can get started even outside the winter season. You won’t receive a bare-root plant, but a living rootstock in a pot that has already been grown and cared for.

This makes this rootstock ideal for hobby growers, gardening enthusiasts and customers who do not immediately need large quantities. You can start on a small scale, gain experience with grafting and, step by step, grow your own cherry tree.

Experience from the nursery

Schrama Tree Nursery has been growing fruit trees, plants and rootstocks since 1968. Drawing on our many years of practical experience, we know how important the right rootstock is for the growth, health and ultimate development of a fruit tree.

At our nursery, we have been working with various types of rootstocks for generations and have also developed our own rootstocks and selections. We apply this knowledge every day in our own cultivation and are happy to share it with customers who wish to graft or grow fruit trees themselves.

Please note: this product is a rootstock and not yet a grafted cherry tree. The rootstock forms the basis onto which you can graft a suitable cherry variety yourself.