Allotments 4 All

Now that I have my allotment I can use the small amount of space in my garden to grow some fruit.  I would really like to try training a Gage and perhaps a Damson to an upright cordon.

I prune my parents upright cordons but they were bought from a garden centre all ready to go.

Having a look at the bare rooted maiden or two year trees available they are on Pixy or St Julien A root stock.  Which root stock would be the best for this purpose?

I'm not an expert but I think you have to consider the fertility of the soil, the vigour of the tree and how far north you are. Maidens should be fine but I'd ask  an expert nursery such as Keepers or Rogers and see what they say. Small is good in many areas but can suffer in really dry areas like here in N.Lincs and Norfolk because the roots are too small. My 3 small fans are on Julian A: Giant Prune, Cambridge Gage and Marjorie's Seedling but of course are bigger than cordons which I use for apples [and one pear]

It is possible to grow stone fruits into gordon..but..they are not too happy about it. I find that plums are not too keen regular pruning regime...and if you manage to keep them in right shape and healthy too..the amount of crop is reduced a lot  too.
Pixy is the root stock that produce smaller tree..aprox 8-10 ft.
But...life is boring if we don't keep trying to educate ourselves. It's not biggest loss if it don't work out.. ;)
Let us know how you get on..not only for interest..but it all adds to our learning too.. ;D

I have noticed that the Victoria my parents have does not produce much fruit on the cordon and can be touchy some years.  Perhaps I will have a look for a self fertile and just plant one.