Questions to Ask a Nursery Seller Before You Buy
Before purchasing saplings, asking focused, technical questions can save you from later losses (death, disease, nonbearing, or climate mismatch). Below is a comprehensive, organized checklist of the most important questions to ask—ideal for apples, peaches, almonds, pistachios, and other temperate fruit trees.
Identity and specifications
- What is the exact cultivar?
Example: Apple ‘Golden Delicious’ or Peach ‘Shahpour’.
Avoid vague answers like “good apple” or “sweet peach.”
- Does the sapling have a cultivar authenticity certificate?
Reputable stock should carry a label or certificate from recognized institutions (e.g., the national horticultural research institute).
- What is the rootstock?
Example: Apple on M9 (dwarf), MM106 (semi‑dwarf), or seedling (vigorous).
Rootstock determines vigor, soil tolerance, and precocity.
Physical condition and plant health
- How old is the sapling?
One- to two‑year‑old trees are best. Older trees (>3 years) may have root damage.
- Are the roots healthy and not root‑bound?
Roots should be white inside, brown outside—neither dry nor rotted, and not circling the pot.
- Are the trunk and branches free of wounds, cracks, or suspicious spots?
Check for fungal/bacterial signs (e.g., fire blight).
- Is the sapling free of pests (scales, mites, aphids)?
Inspect undersides of leaves and branch crotches closely.
Site and climate suitability
- Is this cultivar suited to our climate (minimum winter temperature, required chilling hours)?
Example: Peach ‘Flamingo’ needs ~450 chilling hours—unsuitable for warm winters.
- How resistant is it to locally prevalent diseases (powdery mildew, fire blight, root diseases)?
Some cultivars are inherently more resistant (e.g., apple ‘Prime Rose’ to powdery mildew).
- Will it perform in our soil (heavy clay/sandy/alkaline)?
Different rootstocks vary in tolerance to salinity, lime, and texture.
Yield and performance
- How many years to first bearing?
Example: Apple on M9: 2–3 years; on seedling: 5–7 years.
- What is the typical yield and fruit size under normal management?
Some cultivars are heavy bearers with smaller fruit; others are lighter but larger.
- Does it require a pollinizer?
Examples:
- Apple: most cultivars need a compatible pollinizer.
- Peach: self‑fertile.
- Pistachio: requires a male tree (e.g., a designated male cultivar).
Plant health and quarantine
- Has the sapling been under a plant‑health program and is it free of quarantine diseases?
Diseases like Fire Blight or Plum Pox Virus must be controlled in domestic and export stock.
- What pesticides were applied last, and was the pre‑harvest interval observed?
Recently sprayed plants may carry residues in your soil.
- Has the sapling been treated against root diseases (e.g., Phytophthora)?
Especially important in wet climates or heavy soils.
Warranty, after‑sales support, and documentation
- Is there a survival/leaf‑out warranty?
Commonly 6–12 months—read the terms carefully.
- Will you provide planting and initial care instructions (irrigation, fertilization, pruning)?
Professional nurseries usually supply a care brochure.
- Is post‑planting advice available (phone or on‑site)?
Beginners should value this service.
Additional (optional but vital)
- Was the tree propagated by grafting or grown from seed?
Grafted trees preserve cultivar traits; seedling trees are variable.
- What are the sapling’s height and trunk caliper?
Standard: height 120–150 cm; caliper above the graft union at least 8–10 mm.
- Is the sapling sold bare‑root, ball‑and‑burlapped (B&B), or container‑grown?
- Bare‑root: plant only in winter/early spring; requires immediate planting.
- Container: plantable year‑round; minimal root disturbance.
Final note: get an official invoice/receipt
Always obtain an official invoice stating:
- Exact cultivar and rootstock names
- Quantity and age of saplings
- Phytosanitary/plant‑health certificate number (if applicable)
- Warranty terms
- Seller’s name and signature
Summary
By asking across these seven categories, you not only avoid scams and low‑quality stock, but you also greatly increase your chances of fast, healthy, and productive establishment.
Expert recommendation
Before buying, consult your local Agricultural Jihad (extension) horticulture expert—they can recommend the best cultivars and rootstocks for your specific area.
