GRANNY SMITH

Granny Smith apple is a late-winter variety, bred in Australia in 1868 by crossing a wild apple tree with a local Australian variety. The tree is medium-sized, reaching a height of 2.5–3.5 meters, with a sprawling round crown and smooth bark. Leaves are pale green, and white-pink flowers with a honey scent appear in April–May. The variety is characterized by high yield—up to 150 kg per tree, but is self-sterile, so one or two pollinator varieties are recommended to be planted nearby for successful fruiting.

The fruits are large, weighing about 300 grams, with thin, shiny skin covered with a light waxy coating. The color of the apples varies from deep green to yellowish-green and depends on the degree of sunlight exposure. The flesh is juicy, dense, tart-sweet with a pleasant aroma and high taste qualities. Apples ripen at the end of September–beginning of October and withstand transportation well, as well as have a long storage period.

The variety is resistant to powdery mildew and scab, but requires preventive treatments to protect against bacterial scald and other diseases. During the first five years, the tree grows quickly, after which growth slows down. During the period of maximum fruiting, it is recommended to reinforce the branches to prevent their damage under the weight of the harvest. Thanks to high frost resistance and rich content of vitamins and minerals, Granny Smith apple is popular among gardeners around the world.