Facts About Grany Smith Apple Trees

A Granny Smith apple tree produces apples that are quite tart. Apples grown on a Granny Smith apple tree are different from most other types of apples because Granny Smith apples always stay green and do not change color to indicate ripening. Granny Smith apple trees are quite easy to grow and are not overly susceptible to disease or infestation.

History

The Granny Smith apple tree is native to Australia. The Granny Smith apple tree dates back to 1868 to a chance seedling that was discovered by a woman named Maria Ann Smith. This is the origin of the Granny Smith name. A chance seedling is a term that defines a plant species was discovered by chance. It is thought that the Granny Smith seed is a descendant of the European Wild Apple tree.

Uses of Apples

Granny Smith apples are considered all-purpose apples. They have an even green skin and have crisp and firm flesh. Granny Smith apples are eating apples as well as cooking and baking apples. Granny Smith apples can be made into applesauce, apple pies, and many other apple cobblers and cakes. Granny Smith apples are also desirable for their long shelf life. They will stay crisp for much longer than other varieties of apples.

Bearing Fruit

Granny Smith apple trees are not of the self pollinating variety. In order to grow Granny Smith apple trees, an additional apple tree of another kind must also be grown within close proximity to the Granny Smith tree to enable pollination and fruit production in the Granny Smith tree. Some recommended pollinator apple trees include Golden Delicious, Gala, and Fuji apple trees. A nearby pollinator tree that is fertile will enable the Granny Smith apple tree to bear Granny Smith apples.

Proper Care

Granny Smith apple trees can be successfully grown in zones six, seven, and eight. They must have at least six hours of sunlight each day. To encourage the most fruit production, a Granny Smith apple tree must be pruned regularly for proper branching. When the Granny Smith apple tree is pruned in this way, it will be healthier, will have stronger limbs, and will bear more fruit earlier in the season. Granny Smith apple trees that are pruned properly can live more than 50 years.

Establishment

The Granny Smith apple tree is able to grow in many different types of soil. These apple trees are considered one of the fastest growing apple trees. After the initial season for proper establishment of the tree, the apples from a Granny Smith apple tree can be harvested. The Granny Smith apples are usually ready to be picked by November and these apples will stay fresh and flavorful into the next spring.