Apple Tree Granny Smith - Malus domestica

The 'Granny Smith' apple tree is a fairly vigorous variety. This productive variety boasts quick and regular fruiting. It produces large, shiny green fruits with white lenticels. Their white flesh is crisp, firm, juicy, refreshing, and very tart. The apples can be harvested in November. 'Granny Smith' is not self-fertile. It is a late variety that requires warmth in autumn. It is not recommended for cold climates.

Apple trees are native to Europe. 'Granny Smith' was obtained from a chance seedling by a grandmother (hence 'Granny') named Maria Ann Smith, in Sydney, Australia, in 1868. It seems to be a hybrid of the wild apple tree Malus sylvestris pollinated by M. pumila.

'Granny Smith' is an upright tree, giving it a very elegant and slender appearance. It is very productive, so thinning is necessary to avoid small fruit size and the occurrence of diseases. Thinning is easy.

Its foliage consists of very large, ovate, slightly hairy leaves that are dark green above and whitish-green below. The leaves have deeply toothed edges. Flowering occurs from late March to mid-April, making it a good pollinator for other apple trees. The flowers tolerate frost. This self-sterile variety requires the presence of other apple trees that bloom at the same time. The varieties 'Melrose', 'Idared', and 'Golden Delicious' are suitable.

Fruiting is late, starting in November. The fruits can be stored until April. The fruits are shiny green with white lenticels. Their white flesh is crisp, firm, juicy, refreshing, and very tart.

These apples are particularly suitable for fresh consumption and for making compotes. They can of course be used in pastries, jams, and savoury dishes.