Malus domestica 'Granny Smith'
Overview
Uses: Backyard orchards, edible landscapes, home fruit gardens, pollinator-friendly gardens.
Benefits: Tart crisp apples prized for baking and fresh eating, exceptionally long storage life, reliable late-season harvest that extends the apple season, attractive spring blossoms.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–8
Sun: Full Sun
Life Cycle: Deciduous Tree
Growth Habit: Upright, Rounded — branching canopy forming a classic orchard tree shape.
Bloom Color: White and Pink
Mature Height: 15–20 ft.
Mature Width: 12–15 ft.
Bloom Season: Mid Spring
Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
Summary
An iconic apple tree celebrated for its tart flavor, firm texture, and outstanding versatility in the kitchen.
Malus domestica 'Granny Smith' is one of the most recognizable apple varieties in the world. Discovered in Australia in 1868 as a chance seedling, this cultivar has earned a permanent place in home orchards and grocery stores alike thanks to its unmistakable bright green skin and bold, tangy bite.
In mid spring, the tree produces fragrant pinkish-white blossoms that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. By late fall, the branches are loaded with large, firm green apples that hold their crunch and tartness well into storage. Granny Smith apples are considered one of the top choices for pies and baking, and they also shine in fresh eating, salads, and sauces.
With a vigorous growth habit and reliable fruit production, Granny Smith is a rewarding addition to home orchards in moderate to warm climates.
Care
Granny Smith Apple Tree Care
Plant in full sun for the best flowering and fruit production. Apple trees perform best with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day.
Provide well-drained soil and consistent moisture, especially during the establishment period and while fruit is developing. Avoid planting in areas where water tends to collect.
Prune annually during late winter to maintain structure, encourage airflow through the canopy, and promote strong fruit production. Removing crowded or crossing branches helps improve fruit quality and reduces disease pressure.
If desired, apply a light feeding of slow release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth and fruiting.
Size
What Size is the Granny Smith Apple Tree for Sale Online?
Plants ship in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and are appropriately sized for their container at the time of shipment. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.
How Large Does the Granny Smith Apple Tree Grow?
At maturity, Granny Smith apple trees typically reach 15–20 feet tall and about 12–15 feet wide, forming a rounded canopy typical of many orchard apple trees.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
This plant is commonly known as Granny Smith apple or Granny Smith apple tree.
What do Granny Smith apples taste like?
Granny Smith apples are known for their bold tartness, firm texture, and refreshing crunch. They have a clean acidity that makes them one of the most popular baking apples, though many people enjoy them fresh as well.
Does the Granny Smith apple tree require a pollinator?
Granny Smith is partially self-fertile but produces larger and more consistent crops when another compatible apple variety such as Gala, Fuji, or Golden Delicious is planted nearby for cross-pollination.
How long do Granny Smith apples store?
Granny Smith apples have an exceptionally long storage life. When stored properly in cool conditions, they can remain crisp and flavorful for several months after harvest.
Where does the Granny Smith apple tree fit best in the landscape?
Granny Smith apple trees are well suited for backyard orchards and edible landscapes. Explore more fruit-producing plants in our Fruit Trees and Fruit & Vegetable Plants collections.
