Description

Granny Smith Apple Trees

Zones 5-9  Click here to find your Zone

Height and Spread: 15′ x 5-7′  (semi-dwarf variety)

Growth Rate:  Medium (13 to 24″ per year)

Bloom Color: White

Fruit Color: Green

Ripening Time: Late October – early November

Wildlife:  Granny Smith apple trees can be a food source for many mammals, including deer.  With this in mind, measures may need to be taken to protect the tree from deer especially.  The Granny Smith apple is a great pollen source for bees in the spring.  Rodents and rabbits often eat the bark off of apple trees.  Tree tubes are a great way to protect the bark from injury.  When the bark is eaten it will often lead to girdling and eventual death of the tree.

History: Granny Smith apple trees come from Australia and were introduced in 1868. Maria Ann Sherwood Smith found an apple tree growing near her stream at her home in Australia.  She thought that the green apples which were growing on the tree were quite tasty.  “Granny Smith” shared her apples with neighbors and friends.   It was thought they they were a mutation of a french crab apple.  Many years later we still love bright, green, Granny Smith apples for making pies!

Use and Storage: Granny Smith apples are great for pies, eating and salads.  They will last 4-5 months in home refrigeration.

Pollination Requirements:  This semi-dwarf variety requires a pollinator within 50′ to produce fruit.