If you decide to grow Granny Smith apples in your garden, you can look forward to an abundant and nutritious harvest every year. Nevertheless, if you are new to planting Granny Smith apples, it is important to be aware of a few key factors before beginning.
Are Granny Smith apple trees easy to grow?Â
Granny Smith apple trees are easy to grow as long as you follow certain tips. Plant the tree where it can enjoy full sun for at least six hours a day, and provide enough water. Plant another variety within a radius of 40 to 50 feet to ensure pollination. Consider the dwarf version for small yards.
With all that being said, let’s dive into the details! We will clarify everything that you need to know to properly grow your Granny Smith apple tree.
There are so many wonderful apple trees to choose from! Learn about the most popular types that are perfect for home gardeners in my detailed guide, Apple Tree Varieties.
Granny Smith Apple Tree at a Glance
| Granny Smith Apple Tree | Facts |
| Mature Height | 12-14 feet |
| Mature Width | 14-16 feet |
| Grow Zones | Zones 5 through 9 |
| Spacing | At least 15 feet from other trees |
| Bloom Time | Spring |
| Blossom Color | White |
| Years To Bear | 3-5 years |
| Potential Yield per Tree | Around 225 kg |
| Ideal Soil | Most types of soils with added organic material, such as compost. |
| Light Requirements | Full sun |
| Chill Hours | 400 |
| Fruit Appearance | Hard and firm with light green skin. |
| Fruit Taste | Tart taste with an acidic tang |
Where Do Granny Smith Apples Grow?
Granny Smith apple trees grow in warm climates in zones 5-9 and tend to ripen around October. However, in countries with very mild winters, Granny Smith apples can be picked by the end of February.
How Big Do Granny Smith Apple Trees Get?
Granny Smith apple trees can grow up to 12-14 feet in height and around 14-16 feet in width.
- Mature Height:12-15 ft
- Mature Width: 8-10 ft
- Growth Rate: Moderate Harvest
- Year to Bear: Can Fruit the 1st year!
Dwarf Granny Smith Apple Tree
A Dwarf Granny Smith apple tree produces identical apples to standard Granny Smith apple trees, but the actual tree is smaller. Usually, it is 60-65% smaller and is ideal for compact gardens.
Granny Smith Apple Tree Growth Rate
The tree grows between 13 and 24 inches per year and takes between 3 and 5 years to fully mature and bear fruit.
Can You Grow Granny Smith Apple Trees From Seed?
You can, but there is a strong chance that you will get a different type of tree than the seed you planted. For example, if you plant Granny Smith seed, you might get a different type of tree from the Granny Smith lineage.
Granny Smith Apple Taste
Granny Smith apple is a crisp, hard apple with a sharp, acidic taste.
Granny Smith Apple Uses
Granny Smith apples can be eaten raw, but they are also an excellent addition to various desserts, including cobblers, muffins, pies, and cakes.
How Long Does It Take a Granny Smith Apple Tree To Bear Fruit?
It depends on the type of Granny Smith apple tree. For example, a standard tree will take between four to six years after grafting, while the Dwarf Granny Smith takes up to three years. Semi-dwarfs, on the other hand, start producing within three or four years.
When Do Granny Smith Apple Trees Bloom?
Granny Smith apple tree blossoms in spring with beautiful white blossoms.
Do Granny Smith Apple Trees Produce Every Year?
Yes, the Granny Smith apple tree produces plenty of fruits every year.
Do You Need Two Granny Smith Apple Trees?
No, you don’t. A single tree will produce enough fruits for the entire family.
Are Granny Smith Apple Trees Self-Pollinating?
Yes, they are. However, you might improve fruiting if you plant a compatible pollination tree nearby.
Granny Smith Apple Tree Pollination
Like other types of apple trees, Granny Smith relies on bees, insects, and even wind. The bees carry pollen between nearby trees, and to ensure proper pollination, you need to plant apple trees within 40-50 feet of a compatible tree that blossoms at the same part of the year.
Best Pollinators for Granny Smith
One of the best pollinators for Granny Smith is Jonathan. It flowers in the same period as Granny Smith, and under proper management, it can also blossom as strongly as Granny Smith. Red Delicious, the Yates, Cleopatra, the Dougherty, and William Favorite are also good pollinators for Granny Smith.
Granny Smith Apple Tree Planting Guide
To ensure that you get the best possible results, it is essential to follow certain preparation tips and plant the tree properly. Let’s see how to plant a Granny Smith apple tree!
- Granny Smith can thrive in various soil types. However, to improve macronutrient and micronutrient concentrations, add organic material such as compost to the soil. Stir 2-3 inches of the compost into the soil at a depth of between 18 and 20 inches.
- Now, it’s time to choose the right sapling. For ideal results, you should choose a seedling that is around 12 months old and 6 feet tall.
- Once you’ve brought the sapling home, keep it in a cool area. Before you start planting, you should soak the sapling’s root ball in water for half an hour, to help soften the roots.
- While the tree is soaking, dig a hole that is slightly larger than the sapling’s root ball.
- Place the tree in the hole and fill the hole with the soil.
Granny Smith Apple Tree Care
Initially, the Granny Smith apple tree requires regular watering and pruning until the tree is established. Once a year, either by the end of the winter or the beginning of spring, you should trim the tree to allow airflow between branches.
You should also fertilize the tree three times during the growing season. The first fertilization should be in the early spring before flowering. Make the second application about 30 days later and the final application by the end of June, around 30 days after the previous application.
Finally, you should spray the apple tree properly to ensure the best fruiting. Winter is the best time to remove garden debris and spray the tree with dormant oil, while spring is good for spraying against mites, mildew, and fire blight.
On the other hand, fall is an ideal time to spray against microscopic critters if they are a problem in your area.
Granny Smith Apple Tree Pruning
One of the best tips to follow when it comes to pruning your apple tree is to do it in the late winter. That way, the cuts will heal faster during the spring.
Granny Smith Apple Tree Common Problems
The most common problem with apple trees is fire blight, caused by fire blight bacteria. The weather can play a significant role in spreading the disease since rain and humidity can cause the bacteria to spread rapidly.
In that case, you should discontinue irrigation and reduce the amount of moisture on the foliage if you are using any.
Conclusion
We have clarified everything that you need to know about the Granny Smith apple tree before you start planting. Make sure to do all the necessary preparation, and of course – good luck with planting and taking care of your Granny Smith apple tree!
Interested in learning about other apple tree varieties that are ideal for home growers? Check out these productive trees perfect for small yards: