Granny Smith Apple Tree

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