Granny Smith Apple Tree

Granny Smith Apple Tree

Once upon a time, in the land down under, an elderly woman by the name of Maria Ann Smith grew out some apple tree seedlings. They were thought to be a cross between the European crab apple (Malus sylvestris) and the more commonly cultivated Malus pumila. The little seedling grew up and gave birth to apples that resembled tart cooking apples but upon biting into them Granny Smith was shocked to find how sweet they were! She died a few years after her discovery but horticulturists in Australia and then elsewhere throughout the world spread the scion wood for “Granny Smith’s Seedling”.  One of the more famous commercial apple varieties had made its way into the world. Granny Smith is a very versatile apple, being used for cooking, in salads, for fresh eating and for those delicious caramel dipped apples! Granny Smith Apple Tree requires fewer chill hours than many apple varieties, is somewhat self-fertile though will produce more fruit with another variety planted nearby. It is also tip bearing.

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Latin Name: Malus domestica
Site and Soil: Apples like 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Rootstock Description:
M-106 is considered a semi-dwarf rootstock, producing a tree about 60% the size of seedling. It is quite precocious and productive and usually does not need tree support.
The Dwarf trees are grafted onto G-11
Pollination Requirements: All apples need another variety nearby for pollination. Neighboring trees often offer sufficient pollen for good fruit set. Consider Mason Bees to help pollinate and increase fruit production.
Hardiness: Hardy to minus 10° F or below.
Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: Dwarf 8-12ft. / Semi-dwarf 12-16 ft.
Taste: Sweet-tart
Fruit Skin: Green
Fruit Flesh: White
Bloom Time: April
Ripening Time: September
Yield: 30-50 lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Granny Smith is moderately resistant to Apple Scab. Codling Moth can create wormy apples and aphids can damage the foliage of apple trees.
USDA Zone: 5-9