Overwintering guide
How to overwinter granny smith apple
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills granny smith apple in winter
Cutting granny smith apple hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More granny smith apple care
Overwintering granny smith apple — FAQ
Does granny smith apple need to come indoors for winter?
Granny Smith apple is hardy to roughly USDA zone 6 — winter lows around -23°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Granny Smith apple is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move granny smith apple for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water granny smith apple in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills granny smith apple over winter?
Cutting granny smith apple hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.