An Australian chance seedling from Ryde, NSW, prized for its bright green skin and tart, crisp, long-keeping flesh that suits both cooking and eating. Vigorous and reliable, ripening late in the season and a good pollinator for other apples.
At a glance
- Plant type: Fruiting tree
- Mature size: 4.5 m H × 4 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Granny Smith Apple
Botanically, Malus domestica 'Granny Smith' is a moderate-growing fruiting tree in the Rosaceae family. It reaches around 4.5 m tall and 4 m wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage. White and pink flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Granny Smith Apple
Granny Smith Apple suits cool-temperate, warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Granny Smith Apple does best in free-draining and loamy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Granny Smith Apple is regular, moderate watering. Feed regularly through the growing season for the best crop. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Granny Smith Apple after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Granny Smith Apple in the garden
Granny Smith Apple earns its place for edible harvests and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Granny Smith Apple with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Buying Granny Smith Apple
Plant Sale lists Granny Smith Apple as bare-root stock, advanced specimens and potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.