Apple, Granny Smith

Apple 'Granny Smith' on Geneva® 969 Rootstock – A Crisp Classic with Modern Strength

Few apples are as iconic as the ‘Granny Smith’. With its brilliant green skin, crisp bite, and bold tartness, it’s a favorite for fresh snacking, baking, and cider alike. But when you pair this timeless apple with the Geneva® 969 rootstock, you get a tree that’s not only productive and manageable, but also tough, disease-resistant, and perfect for modern home orchards.

Let’s dive into what makes this combination so special—and how you can successfully grow it from bare-root to harvest.

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Why Grow 'Granny Smith'?

The ‘Granny Smith’ is more than just a grocery store favorite. It’s a vigorous grower that ripens late, typically in October or November, delivering a strong finish to the growing season. Here’s why gardeners love it:

• Bright green skin with a slight yellow blush when fully ripe

• Firm, crisp texture that holds up in baking

• Tart, refreshing flavor that mellows with storage

• Excellent keeper—can store for up to 6 months in cool conditions

• Self-fertile, though it produces more with a pollinator

This is a great apple for USDA zones 6–9, especially in areas with mild winters and warm summers.

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Geneva® 969 Rootstock: Small Tree, Big Results

Geneva® 969 brings the best of both worlds—compact growth and high performance. Here’s what you can expect:

• Semi-dwarf size: Grows to 10–12 feet tall with pruning

• Early bearing: Fruits as early as Year 2 or 3

• Resistant to fire blight and crown rot

• Cold hardy and well anchored

• Ideal for home gardens and orchards

In other words, this rootstock helps make a legendary apple easier to grow and maintain—without compromising on fruit size or quality.

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Shipped Bare-Root: What to Expect

We ship your apple tree bare-root and dormant in winter, and leafed out (but still bare-root) during the rest of the growing season. That means:

• You receive the tree without soil, making it lighter and easier to plant

• In winter, the tree arrives dormant, appearing like a bare stick—but it's very much alive

• In spring, summer, and early fall, the tree is leafed out, showing growth and ready to settle into your garden quickly

This method of shipping ensures a stronger root system, faster establishment, and more successful long-term growth.

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How to Plant Your ‘Granny Smith’ Bare-Root Tree

Getting off to a good start is simple. Here’s how to do it right.

Best Time to Plant:

• Winter through early spring: Plant dormant trees as soon as the ground is workable

• Spring through early fall: For leafed-out trees, plant as soon as possible and water thoroughly

Step-by-Step Planting Guide:

1. Soak the roots in water for 4–6 hours before planting (especially important for dormant trees).

2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root spread and deep enough to accommodate the roots naturally.

3. Set the tree so the graft union (the swollen area above the roots) is 2–3 inches above the soil line.

4. Backfill with native soil, gently firming to eliminate air pockets.

5. Water deeply to help settle the roots.

6. Add mulch, leaving a few inches around the trunk clear.

Pro Tip: Stake your tree for the first 1–2 years, especially if it’s exposed to wind. Geneva® 969 has strong anchoring but benefits from extra support while establishing.

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Sun, Soil, and Water – Easy Growing Tips

Like most apple trees, ‘Granny Smith’ loves the sun and well-drained soil. Let’s walk through the basics of care:

Light:

• Full sun—6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily

Water:

• Water deeply once per week, more often in hot or dry weather

• Avoid letting the roots sit in soggy soil

Soil:

• Prefers loamy, well-drained soil

• A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0) is ideal

Fertilizer:

• Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring

• Don’t overfeed—too much nitrogen can reduce fruiting

Pruning:

• Prune while the tree is dormant in late winter

• Create an open shape to encourage airflow and light

• Remove any suckers from below the graft union

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Pollination & Fruit Production

While 'Granny Smith' is partially self-fertile, you’ll get more and better fruit if you plant it with a pollination partner.

Great partners include:

• Fuji

• Gala

• Golden Delicious

• Honeycrisp

Plant them within 50 feet of each other for the best pollination. If space is tight, try a multi-variety tree or invite neighborhood bees to do the work by planting flowers nearby.

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Harvest Time: A Reward Worth Waiting For

‘Granny Smith’ is a late-season apple, ripening in October through November. You'll know it's ready when:

• The apples are bright green with a slight yellow blush

• Fruit is firm and crisp

• A few apples start dropping naturally from the tree

These apples are perfect for:

• Pies, crisps, and other desserts

• Slicing fresh with cheese

• Making cider or applesauce

• Long-term storage

Store in a cool, dry place—‘Granny Smith’ apples keep for months!

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Growth Timeline: What to Expect

Year 1 – Root Establishment

• Leaf growth above ground

• Root development below ground

• Focus on watering and shaping

Year 2 – First Flowers

• Some trees may bloom, especially in warm zones

• Light crop possible

Year 3–5 – Full Fruiting

• Regular harvests begin

• Strong yearly pruning helps keep the tree productive

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Why You'll Love This Tree

The pairing of ‘Granny Smith’ with Geneva® 969 rootstock brings you the best of old and new:

• A classic apple known and loved around the world

• Compact size for small gardens and orchards

• Disease resistance for fewer problems and sprays

• Late harvest to extend your apple season

• Bare-root shipping for strong roots and faster growth

Whether you’re planting your first apple tree or expanding your orchard, this is a tree that delivers—on taste, toughness, and ease of care. The moment you bite into that first tart, juicy apple you grew yourself, you’ll be hooked.