how long does it take a granny smith apple tree to produce fruit

Standard trees will produce four to six years after grafting, semi-dwarf in three or four years and dwarf trees in two or three years. Granny Smith apples are generally sold on either dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstock

and are considered early producers. A dwarf should have fruit two years and a semi-dwarf three years after you plant them.

Full Answer

How long does it take for Granny Smith apples to grow?

Standard trees will produce four to six years after grafting, semi-dwarf in three or four years and dwarf trees in two or three years. Granny Smith apples are generally sold on either dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstock and are considered early producers. A dwarf should have fruit two years and a semi-dwarf three years after you plant them.

How long does it take for an apple tree to bear fruit?

The cut apples take longer to turn brown than many apple varieties. In apples, rootstocks determine the size of the tree and the length of time before it produces fruit. Standard trees will produce four to six years after grafting, semi-dwarf in three or four years and dwarf trees in two or three years.

How much sun does a Granny Smith apple tree need?

In fact, it should be planted in full sun so it can absorb at least six hours of rays a day to bear fruit. As with other apple tree varieties, avoid planting a Granny Smith apple tree in low areas where the air may be chilly or damp.

Do you need a second apple tree for a Granny Smith?

Although some apple trees have flowers with both male and female parts, your Granny Smith apple tree needs pollination to produce fruit. Unless a near neighbor has an apple tree, you need to plant a second tree within 50 feet of the first. Nearly any type of apple tree will do, as long as it blooms in spring like the Granny Smith.

Do you need 2 Granny Smith apple trees to produce fruit?

The Granny Smith is self-fertile so you only need one tree to enjoy plenty of fruit for your family. However, to ensure that the highest quality and quantities of fruit are produced pair your Granny Smith with Gala, Golden or Red Delicious, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or a Profusion Crabapple tree.

How big will a Granny Smith apple tree get?

12-14 feetGranny Smiths require 400 chill hours and are self-pollinators. For planting, apple trees prefer full sun and slightly acidic soil. At maturity, the Granny Smith apple can reach a height of 12-14 feet and width of 14-16 feet. USDA ZONES: Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8.

Is Granny Smith apple self pollinating?

For example: Granny Smith apple tree is in flowering group 3. It is self-fertile and does not need a pollination partner, but fruiting will usually be improved if there is a compatible partner of a different variety nearby. ... (Most white-blossom crab-apples will also be good pollinators for this variety).

Are Granny Smith apples hard to grow?

Granny Smith apple trees are easy to grow as long as you follow certain tips. Plant the tree where it can enjoy full sun for at least six hours a day, and provide enough water. Plant another variety within a radius of 40 to 50 feet to ensure pollination. Consider the dwarf version for small yards.

How long does a Granny Smith apple tree live?

It pays to lavish care on your Granny Smith tree since it can grace your yard for more than 50 years.

Where do Granny Smith apples grow best?

Granny Smith apples grow best in warm climates with a long ripening season. As you may remember, the apples originated in Australia, so it makes sense that they do best in warm, sunny areas. You'll find them growing in U. S. zones 6-8. In the U.S. they tend to ripen around October.

What month are Granny Smith apples ready to pick?

Mid-season varieties like Granny Smith and Fuji are ready in late September to early October. Late varieties like Cripps Pink and Fuji ripen in late October-November (perfect for late apple-picking trips).

What is the best pollinator for Granny Smith?

The variety should also be one which, with the help of crop regulation, will produce a fairly strong blossom from year to year. Varieties well known in Western Aus- tralia which can be used as pollinators for Granny Smiths are Jonathan, Delicious, Cleopatra, Yates, Golden Delicious and Dougherty.

When should I fertilize my Granny Smith apple tree?

The best time to fertilize an apple tree is in the fall once the leaves have dropped. If you are fertilizing apple trees with a 10-10-10, spread at the rate of one pound per inch (5 cm.) of trunk diameter measured one foot (30.5 cm.) from the ground up.

What is special about Granny Smith apples?

Granny Smith apples are popular for their tart flavor and firm texture. Granny Smith apples are popular for their tart flavor and firm texture. With its sublimely tart flavor and unmistakable green hue, the Granny Smith apple (Malus domestica) is one of the most recognizable and beloved apples in the orchard.

What is the best season for Granny Smith apples?

Harvest Season For Granny Smith Apples These apples are generally harvested from early September to late October in the USA. In the southern hemisphere, the variety ripens in March-May.

What is the easiest apple tree to grow?

The Golden Delicious apple is known as one of the easiest and most dependable type of tree you can grow.

How fast do Granny Smith trees grow?

13–24" per yearThis tree grows at a medium rate, with height increases of 13–24" per year.

How far apart should Granny Smith apple trees be planted?

15 feetSpacing: Standard: 15 feet. Reachables: 6-10 feet. Depth:Locate the planting depth indicator, the marked line above the tree's root system. Spread:Standard: 14-16 feet.

What cross pollinates with Granny Smith apples?

Varieties well known in Western Aus- tralia which can be used as pollinators for Granny Smiths are Jonathan, Delicious, Cleopatra, Yates, Golden Delicious and Dougherty. The Jonathan is the variety which is most likely to flower over the same period as Granny Smiths.

How big do dwarf Granny Smith trees get?

12-15 ft.Mature Height: 12-15 ft. Mature Width: 8-10 ft.

How long does it take for an apple tree to produce apples?

The Gravenstein apple tree is a must-have for apple growers in a hurry. Among the largest apple trees, they can produce large quantities of apples within 2 to 5 years of planting and grow well in almost all hardiness zones. A slightly fussier apple tree temperature-wise is the Fuji apple tree. However, it also reaches maturity quickly and can start to bear fruit at 3 to 4 years.

How long does it take for an apple tree to bear fruit?

Dwarf apple trees may begin to produce fruit within two years of being planted. It can take anywhere from 5 to 10 years for an apple tree to bear fruit when growing a tree from seeds.

Why is it important to not overwater an apple tree?

When you grow an apple tree it is most important to not overwater it. This can lead to soggy roots and deprive the tree of oxygen.

What are the different sizes of apple trees?

When you grow an apple tree from rootstock it usually comes in one of three different sizes, namely, dwarf, semi-dwarf, and standard. They all grow to different heights and mature and fruit at different rates.

How long does it take for an apple to grow?

These iconic fruits are the most popular apple grown in the United States because they are sturdy and hardy and reach maturity quickly, fruiting within 7 to 10 years of planting. Dwarf varieties fruit in 3 to 4 years. Another delicious alternative with a similar growth speed is the Golden Delicious apple.

How big are trees?

Standard trees are sizeable, usually measuring in at about 30 feet tall. Their canopies are equally large and can easily reach diameters of 25 to 30 feet.

Can pruning apples hurt them?

Finally, over-pruning and overfertilizing fruit trees can also harm them. When this occurs, apple trees expend too much of their energy or growing leaves and branches, and too little on producing fresh fruit. Regular pruning is beneficial but within reason. Check out Pruning Apple Trees: The Home Grower’s Complete Guide for great pruning practices.

Where did the Granny Smith apple tree originate?

The Granny Smith apple tree owes its existence to the sharp eye of one Maria Smith, who propagated a new seedling from discarded apple cores in Australia in 1868, according to the Arbor Day Foundation. Today, her namesake apple tree still prefers the sun; it thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9, ...

What is a Granny Smith apple?

Crisp and tart, Granny Smith apples are excellent for baking as well as snacking. The fruit is a lively green with pale dappling and grows on a Granny Smith apple tree (Malus x domestica "Granny Smith"). It pays to lavish care on your Granny Smith tree since it can grace your yard for more than 50 years.

How big do Granny Smith trees get?

When planting your Granny Smith sapling, it pays to remember that a standard tree will grow swiftly to its mature height of 12 to 20 feet tall, with a width of 10 to 14 feet. Space your tree with enough spread room so it can grow freely and still get full sun.

When do apples bloom?

Nearly any type of apple tree will do, as long as it blooms in spring like the Granny Smith. Alternatively, purchase a grafted apple tree that produces several varieties of apples on different branches.

How to keep a tree moist in spring?

In the spring, spread a thick layer of compost around the tree to keep the soil moist. Then check the soil for nutrients, especially potassium, calcium and boron. Apply the appropriate fertilizer if the level of any of these vital nutrients is running low.

Can Granny Smith apples grow in the sun?

Today, her namesake apple tree still prefers the sun; it thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9, Grow Organic says. In fact, it should be planted in full sun so it can absorb at least six hours of rays a day to bear fruit. As with other apple tree varieties, avoid planting a Granny Smith apple tree in low areas ...

Do Granny Smith apples need pollination?

Although some apple trees have flowers with both male and female parts, your Granny Smith apple tree needs pollination to produce fruit. Unless a near neighbor has an apple tree, you need to plant a second tree within 50 feet of the first. Nearly any type of apple tree will do, as long as it blooms in spring like the Granny Smith. Alternatively, purchase a grafted apple tree that produces several varieties of apples on different branches.

How Long Does It Take For An Apple Tree To Bear Fruit?

The apple tree (Malus Domestica) begins to produce fruits 2-10 years after planting. This depends on the variety of the tree, and whether it was grown from seed or rootstock.

How do apples bear fruit?

Facts About An Apple Tree And How They Bear Fruit 1 Appletree is known as a hardy tree, and it grows best in hardiness zones 3 to 5. If termed long-season, the apple tree will do best in zones 5 to 8. 2 They need at least 8 hours of sun per day during the growing season 3 You have to plant two varieties next to each other for successful pollination or add a crabapple 4 2-3 years after planting dwarf apple trees will start bearing fruit 5 To bear fruit standard-size trees can take up to 8 years 6 Prune your apple trees annually to keep them healthy and productive 7 Some varieties are more susceptible to disease and insect damage than others.

How much sun does an apple tree need?

If termed long-season, the apple tree will do best in zones 5 to 8. They need at least 8 hours of sun per day during the growing season. You have to plant two varieties next to each other for successful pollination or add a crabapple. To bear fruit standard-size trees can take up to 8 years.

When will apple trees bear fruit in 2021?

On April 11, 2021 In Gardening Guides, Growing Food, Tips and Help, Trees. Every gardener needs to find out how long does it take for an apple tree to bear fruit before they can plant their own. Apples are a great addition to any landscape, and besides that, they provide an abundance of fresh fruit. Many gardeners love the thought of growing their ...

Why do apple trees take commitment?

As we mentioned earlier in this article, apple trees take commitment because they need a lot of care. Below we break down the care into each month to help you do the right thing at the right time. This care is for both existing and new trees.

When to harvest ripe fruit?

Test for ripe fruits by tasting one fruit that seems to be fully colored. It is tastes too starchy; give the fruits a few days before harvesting. October – November. Rake up fallen fruit and leaves and put them in compost or discard them.

Do you need to plant many apples to grow?

Apples are pollinated by bees and flies transferring pollen from flowers of one apple tree to another. You do not need to plant many trees to enjoy fresh apples. Instead, two apple trees will be more than enough for your family to enjoy and share.

When do apples ripen?

Different varieties can ripen at different times, from late summer to late fall, and different varieties are required to pollinate specific apple trees.

How are apple trees pollinated for fruit?

Most apple trees are not self-fertile - that means they need pollen from another apple or related tree in order to bear fruit. One of the main causes of reduced crops is poor pollination, so your trees will benefit greatly and bear more fruit when you cross-pollinate.

What types of apple trees should you plant?

Ideally, your apple orchard (no matter how big or small it is) will be in production for many years. In order to protect your investment and bear fruit, it’s important to choose the right apple trees to suit your needs and climate.

Where should apple trees be planted?

The best spot is typically on the north side of a house or treeline.

How many varieties of apples are there?

There are more than 8,000 different varieties of apples. Most are bred for their taste and utilitarian use, including cooking and cider production.

Why are my apples not producing?

Poor weather conditions can also affect your apple crops. When the tree loses its blossoms during a storm or severe cold weather, it may either have a reduced crop or no crop at all the next season. It may also have an excessive crop the next year. This can be strenuous on the tree, because apple trees typically grow too much fruit. If all the apples grow to maturity that quickly, the tree will soon exhaust itself and begin to produce much smaller crops in the following years.

Why do apples have so few blossoms?

Apple trees can have good and bad years. This is another good reason to have more than one tree, even if your tree is self-fertile. At times, a tree may have very few blossoms, even when the spring weather is good. This can often be caused by incorrect pruning during the previous summer.

How long does it take for an apple tree to bear fruit?

The general rule of thumb is that apple trees begin to bear fruit three to four years after planting. However, this can vary significantly based on the growing conditions, the care you provide, the apple tree variety, cross-pollinators, and many other factors.

When is apple harvest time?

However, most varieties are ready for harvest between August and October. This will also vary somewhat based on your growing zone.

What to consider when picking an apple tree?

As a beginner, you may want to choose apple varieties that are hardier and produce fruit more quickly. However, there are a few other things to consider as well.

What to know before planting an apple tree?

Before you choose an apple tree variety to plant, research to find out if it is self-fertile or needs a cross-pollinator. If it is self-sterile, learn what other apple cultivars are best paired with that variety.

How do apple trees pollinate?

Apple trees pollinate in several ways: by self-fertilization, by natural cross-pollination, by human-led cross-pollination, and by grafting.

How tall are dwarf apple trees?

Dwarf trees are a popular choice for home gardens. These trees are about 50 percent as tall as standard apple trees, so they may be between 8 and 15 feet tall at full maturity. Semi-dw a rf trees are about 80 percent as large as standard apple trees.

How big can an apple tree grow?

It might seem obvious, but make sure that the apple tree that you choose will fit in your yard! While some varieties hit a maximum of about 15 feet, others can get much larger. This also depends on whether you buy a standard sized tree, a dwarf variety, or a semi-dwarf.

How many hours of chill for a Granny Smith apple tree?

For example, a McIntosh apple tree will require 900 chill hours, while a Granny Smith apple tree will only require 400 chill hours, and is more suitable for areas with more temperate weather.

How long does it take for an apple to grow?

During this time, bees and other insects will pollinate the flowers. 5-10 days after about 75% of the petals fall off the flowers and fruit will begin to set. Check the base of the flowers – if they are swollen, the flower was pollinated, and an apple will begin to grow.

Why do Apple Trees Need Cold Weather To Bloom?

Each apple tree variety requires a certain number of hours during winter dormancy where the temperature is between 32-45 degrees F (0-7° C). The number of chill hours required ranges from 500-1000 hours depending on the apple cultivar. The chill period is crucial to apple trees in the fall and winter in order to break down the hormones for dormancy. Without enough chill hours, the apple tree will not produce flower buds in the spring, and your apple tree won’t bloom.

Why won't my apple tree bloom in the spring?

This is a crucial stage in the budding of apple trees, because without enough cold weather during the winter, your apple tree won’t bloom in the spring.

What do apple buds turn into?

There are two types of buds on apple trees – fruit buds and leaf buds. The fruit buds will turn into flowers, bloom, get pollinated (hopefully) and produce fruit. The leaf buds turn into leaves or shoots for next years fruiting buds. It is only in the spring once temperatures warm up that the apple trees growth hormones will determine whether ...

Why do apple trees need to be chilled?

The chill period is crucial to apple trees in the fall and winter in order to break down the hormones for dormancy. Without enough chill hours, the apple tree will not produce flower buds in the spring, and your apple tree won’t bloom. For example, a McIntosh apple tree will require 900 chill hours, while a Granny Smith apple tree will only require ...

How to train an apple tree to grow?

Train The Branches Horizontally. In the spring, train the branches of your apple tree to be more horizontal , rather than vertical. Horizontal limbs encourage flowering buds, while vertical limbs favour vegetative growth. The following year, you should notice flowering buds on the newly trained horizontal limbs.