Granny Smith Apple Fruit Tree (Malus domestica 'Granny Smith')

Granny Smith Apple Tree Description

The Granny Smith Apple Tree is a world-renowned variety, cherished for its bright green fruit and distinct tart flavour. This versatile tree produces apples that are crisp, juicy, and ideal for both fresh consumption and culinary uses, thanks to their ability to retain shape when cooked.Fruit: Large, smooth, and bright green apples with a characteristic tart, acidic flavour. When fully ripened, they develop a slight yellowish tinge.Flavour: Tart and crisp with high acidity, making it ideal for both eating fresh and cooking. This variety is excellent for pies, sauces, and salads due to its firm flesh that resists browning.Growth Rate: The Granny Smith Apple Tree grows at a moderate rate, typically 30–60 cm (12–24 inches) per year, depending on growing conditions. It reaches maturity in 4–6 years, with fruit production starting in 3–4 years for well-cared-for trees.Size: When grown on standard rootstock, the Granny Smith can reach a mature height of 4–6 metres (13–20 feet) with a spread of 3–4 metres (10–13 feet). Semi-dwarf varieties grow slightly smaller, around 2–3 metres (6–10 feet) tall and wide.Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure optimal fruit production and flavour development.Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. While tolerant of a range of soil types, it performs best in loamy or sandy soils with good organic content.Watering: Consistent moisture is key, particularly in dry periods. The tree benefits from deep watering, but avoid waterlogged soil as this can cause root rot.Climate: Best suited for temperate climates with cold winters (which allow for dormancy) and warm summers.

Pruning Advice

Annual pruning is essential for maintaining the shape, health, and productivity of the tree. Prune in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant. Focus on removing any dead, diseased, or damaged wood, as well as thinning overcrowded branches to improve light penetration and airflow within the canopy.

Further Information

Thinning: To encourage larger, higher-quality fruit, thin clusters to one apple per spur after the fruit has set. This helps the tree focus its energy on fewer, but better-developed, apples.Fertilisation: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and fruiting. Organic compost or well-rotted manure can also be used to improve soil fertility.Pollination: While the Granny Smith Apple Tree is partially self-fertile, it will produce a larger and more reliable crop if cross-pollinated with other apple varieties such as Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn. Be sure to plant other apple trees nearby for optimal pollination.Disease and Pest Resistance:The Granny Smith variety is moderately resistant to common apple diseases, including apple scab and powdery mildew. However, it can be susceptible to pests such as aphids, codling moths, and apple maggots. Regular inspection and the use of organic pest control methods, such as horticultural oils or traps, can help manage these issues.Harvesting:Granny Smith apples typically ripen in late autumn, around October. The apples can be harvested once they reach full size and have developed a bright green colour. They store well for several months, maintaining their texture and flavour even in long-term cold storage.

Ideal For: Cooking and baking due to its firm fleshEating fresh for those who enjoy a tart flavourLong-term storage, as it maintains its quality for several monthsWith proper care, the Granny Smith Apple Tree will reward you with delicious, crisp apples and a robust, hardy tree that can serve as a focal point in any garden or orchard.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £9.98 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.