Granny Smith Apple Tree

Description

Granny Smith Apple Tree brings unmistakable orchard character: glossy green fruit, a lively tart bite, and the firm crunch that has made this apple a kitchen favorite around the world. Picked fresh, the apples are bright and refreshing; in pies and crisps, their firm flesh holds its shape and balances sugar beautifully. They are also excellent for sauce, juice, salads, and storage, giving one productive tree a place in nearly every part of the harvest kitchen. The vigorous semi-dwarf tree is equally appealing in spring, when pale blossoms draw pollinators into the garden. For gardeners who want a dependable late apple with bold flavor rather than simple sweetness, Granny Smith offers familiar quality, exceptional versatility, and the pleasure of harvesting a fruit with a remarkable origin story.
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil, leaving the graft union above grade. This tree is on M-111 rootstock and is suited to USDA zones 6–9, with a confirmed 400-hour chill requirement. In suitable climates, fruit typically ripens from mid-October into mid-November. Prune during dormancy for a strong, open framework, and thin developing fruit so the remaining apples can size well.
Granny Smith is self-fruitful, so it can bear when planted alone. Adding another compatible apple nearby can increase pollinator activity and may improve fruit set; good companions include Fuji Red, Gala, and Honey Crisp.
Granny Smith Apple Tree

Details

Fruit: Large, glossy green apples that may develop a light blush in cool nights

Flavor and texture: Firm, juicy, crisp, and distinctly tart

Best uses: Fresh eating, baking, sauce, juice, salads, and storage

Harvest: Mid-October to mid-November, with timing varying by region and season

USDA zones: 6–9

Chill hours: 400

Tree size: Semi-dwarf on M-111 rootstock

Pollination: Self-fruitful; another compatible apple may improve set

Recommended companions: Fuji Red, Gala, or Honey Crisp

Special care: Thin fruit and maintain an open canopy for size, color, and airflow

Something Special: The original seedling grew near Eastwood, outside Sydney, and was named for Maria Ann Smith after local growers began propagating it.

Orchard Planning Resources
Bare Root Tree Selection Guide

How to Plant Bare Root Trees

Fruit and Nut Tree Characteristics

Tree Rootstock Characteristics Chart