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Variety fit — Arizona

Can I grow Granny Smith apple in Arizona?

The verdict

Not recommended

  • Your zone 9b is warmer than this variety's range (zones 5–8); it may not receive reliable winter chilling.

Based on Arizona’s main growing area (85701): zone 9b, ~522 chill hours. Your exact site may differ — check your ZIP.

Granny Smith requirements vs. Arizona climate
Granny Smith chill requirement400 chill hours
Granny Smith hardinessUSDA zones 5–8
Arizona average chill (85701)522 hours (267–731 across 10 winters)
Arizona zone (85701)USDA zone 9b
USDA pomological watercolor of Granny Smith apple
Malus domestica: Granny SmithUSDA pomological watercolor, Royal Charles Steadman, 1925 · USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection

These meet Arizona’s chill hours and zone comfortably:

Or the same verdict for another region:

Can I grow Granny Smith apple in Arizona?
Probably not — Your zone 9b is warmer than this variety's range (zones 5–8); it may not receive reliable winter chilling.

Sources

  1. [1] Open-Meteo / Copernicus ERA5. Historical Weather API (hourly 2m temperature) — accessed July 2026
  2. [2] USDA / PRISM (Oregon State University). 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map — accessed July 2026
  3. [3] Utah State University Extension. Apple Production and Variety Recommendations for the Utah Home Garden — accessed July 2026
  4. [4] Dave Wilson Nursery. Apples — DWN Variety Finder product list — accessed July 2026