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Granny Smith Apple

Name: Granny Smith Apple
Brand: Malus
Availability: InStock

Malus xdomestica 'Granny Smith'

$70.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

180 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

30-50 years

Native To

Hybrid (originated in Australia)

Toxicity

Seeds contain cyanide but are harmful only in large quantities

The Story

Plant Bio

The domestic apple tree is a deciduous tree in the rose family, cultivated worldwide for its fruit. Trees are typically grafted onto rootstocks that control the size and vigor of the tree. 'Granny Smith' is a world-famous cultivar known for its hard, crisp, juicy flesh and tart, acidic flavor. The fruit is a distinctive bright green and is one of the best apples for long-term storage.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

While grown primarily for fruit, apple trees are beautiful ornamental plants. They offer a stunning display of pink-tinged white blossoms in spring, lush green foliage in summer, and the visual appeal of ripening fruit in the fall. The gnarled, branching structure of an older tree provides winter interest.

The primary practical benefit is the production of delicious, versatile fruit. 'Granny Smith' apples are exceptional for both fresh eating and cooking, holding their shape well in pies and sauces. They also store for many months in proper conditions, extending the harvest. Growing your own provides access to fresh, organic fruit.

Apple blossoms are an important nectar and pollen source for honeybees and other pollinators, which are essential for fruit set. Fallen apples provide food for wildlife such as deer and raccoons. The trees themselves can provide nesting sites for birds.

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with at least 8 hours of direct sun daily.
Ensure soil is deep, fertile, and well-drained with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the roots, but no deeper.
Plant the tree so the graft union is 2-3 inches above the soil line.
Backfill with soil, gently tamping to remove air pockets.
Water thoroughly and mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Granny Smith requires a long, hot growing season to ripen properly; it may not fully mature in cooler northern climates.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune annually in late winter to maintain an open, productive structure.
Thin fruit in early summer to 1 apple per cluster for larger, healthier fruit.
Follow a consistent pest and disease management program.
Plant with a suitable pollinator variety nearby, like 'Gala' or 'Red Delicious'.

Don't

Do not plant the graft union below the soil line.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leafy growth over fruit.
Don't allow grass and weeds to compete with the tree's base.
Do not plant in a low-lying 'frost pocket' where late frosts can kill blossoms.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Harvest
Pest Check
Prune
Spray

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Productive home orchard treeEdible landscape specimenEspalier against a sunny wall

Companion Plants

Malus 'Gala' Malus 'Red Delicious' Comfrey Chives Marigolds

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Granny Smith Apple questions

What zones can Granny Smith Apple grow in?

Granny Smith Apple is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Granny Smith Apple deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Granny Smith Apple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Granny Smith Apple bloom?

Granny Smith Apple typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Granny Smith Apple need full sun?

Granny Smith Apple does best in full sun (6+ hours).