Apple ‘Granny Smith’

The ‘Granny Smith’ is a classic for a reason, and one we’ve recommended for years. It’s instantly recognisable for its shiny, bright green fruit. The apples are firm, crisp, and juicy with a tart, acidic flavour that’s fantastic for both cooking and eating fresh. In spring, the tree is covered in fragrant, pink-tinged white flowers which are a welcome sight for us and the bees.

This is a tree of average vigour, and its ultimate size will depend on the rootstock it’s grafted onto. Typically, you can expect a height and spread of around 4 to 8 metres. For the best crop, it needs a spot in full sun in a sheltered position. It will do well in most soils, as long as they are fertile and well-drained.

To get the best from your tree, prune it each winter to maintain an open, goblet-like shape, which lets air and light in. ‘Granny Smith’ is a partial tip-bearer, so it’s best not to prune too hard. It’s a great choice for a kitchen garden or grown as a standalone specimen tree in a sunny lawn.