Granny Smith Apple

Granny Smith Apple produces firm, crisp green fruit with the bright tart flavor prized for fresh eating, pies, and baking. The tree needs a compatible apple blooming at the same time; Gala is a commonly used partner where bloom periods overlap. Granny Smith benefits from a long warm growing season, but its moderate chill requirement can make crops variable after unusually warm winters. Confirm the nursery rootstock before publishing final spacing or mature size. Available for local pickup from Towns Edge Nursery.

Plant details

• Botanical name: Malus domestica 'Granny Smith'
• Sun: Full sun
• USDA zones: 5–9
• Mature size: Rootstock-dependent; commonly 10–25 ft tall × Rootstock-dependent; commonly 10–20 ft wide
• Chill requirement: Moderate; commonly listed around 400–600 hours
• Pollination: Requires a compatible apple blooming at the same time; Gala is commonly compatible
• Bloom: Mid-season
• Harvest: Fall; long warm season needed for best maturity
• Fruit: Firm, crisp green apples with bright tart flavor; excellent for fresh eating and baking
• Water: Regular moisture while establishing and during fruit development; well-drained soil
• Growth habit: Vigorous deciduous grafted fruit tree; mature size depends on rootstock
• Pruning and training: Train to a central leader; prune while dormant and thin fruit clusters
• Uses: Home orchard, edible landscape, fresh eating, pies and baking
• Wildlife value: Flowers support pollinators; fruit attracts wildlife

Plant size, harvest timing and performance vary with climate, rootstock where applicable, soil, pruning and care.