Apple - Granny Smith

Common Name:
Granny Smith Apple

Description:
The Granny Smith apple (Malus domestica 'Granny Smith') is one of the most well-known and widely grown apple varieties, famous for its crisp texture, tart flavour, and bright green skin. Originally discovered in Australia in the 1860s by Maria Ann Smith, this apple is highly versatile, enjoyed fresh, in baking, or for making cider. The tree is a reliable and vigorous grower, producing heavy crops of fruit that ripen in mid to late autumn. It thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with full sun exposure, requiring a moderate amount of winter chill for optimal fruiting. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and productivity. Granny Smith apples store exceptionally well, making them a favourite for home orchards and commercial growers alike.

Form:

• Tree - Medium
• Tree - Small (when espaliered)

Mature Size:

• Height: 3–5m (can be pruned smaller)
• Width: 3–4m

Aspect:

• Full Sun

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:

• White with pink blush

Key Attributes:

• Edible Fruit
• Bee Attracting
• Suitable for Espalier
• Suitable for Pots (when grown as a dwarf variety)
• Suitable for Hedging (when pruned)
• Long Storage Life

Toxicity:

• Seeds contain small amounts of cyanogenic compounds and should not be consumed in large quantities

Companion Plants:

• Other apple varieties (for cross-pollination, e.g. Pink Lady, Fuji)
• Malus crabapples (to improve pollination)
• Lavender (attracts pollinators)
• Borage (improves fruit set)
• Nasturtiums (repels pests)