Golden Delicious apple trees make a great addition to the backyard orchard. Who wouldn’t want one of these highly ‘delicious’ fruit trees in the landscape? They’re not only easy to grow and full of taste but they’ve been around a while too, having been introduced in 1914 by Paul Stark Sr. of the notable Stark Bro’s Nurseries. Read on for more info on Golden Delicious apple care.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
These apple trees are self-pollinating and quite hardy, thriving in USDA zones 4 through 9. The medium to large yellow apples have a mild, sweet flavor that is delicious in pies as well as adding sweetness to pork dishes and salads. The trees can be found in dwarf, 8 to 10 feet (2-3 m.), and semi-dwarf, 12 to 15 feet (4-4.5 m.), sizes, fitting easily into a variety of garden spaces. Fragrant companion plants, such as lavender, rosemary, and sage, are not only low maintenance perennials that make an attractive bed in the garden but are wonderful in fall recipes.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Apples ‘Golden Delicious’ prefers sunlight and grows well in full sun. Sufficient sunlight for about 8 hours a day is recommended. Sunlight will have a great impact on flower colors, while insufficient sunlight will lead to lighter colors. If there is strong light in summer, apples ‘Golden Delicious’ needs proper shady conditions to avoid high-temperature injuries. Too much light may cause leaf curling or spots on stems and leaves.
Temperature
Widely distributed in the northern temperate zone, apples ‘Golden Delicious’ is generally very adaptable to the distinct seasons, including hot summers and cold winters. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -30 ℃. Apples ‘Golden Delicious’ can’t tolerate extremely high temperatures in summer; temperatures above 32 ℃ will affect its growth. The tree is drought-tolerant and doesn’t require much water, hence, avoid over-watering it.
Watering
Watering is important and required within two days after transplanting. The soil should be completely saturated so that the roots can get sufficient water supply. If apples ‘Golden Delicious’ is planted in a courtyard, water it until water accumulates on the soil surface without seepage for an extended time. If it is planted in a flower pot, fill the tray under the flower pot with water to let the water slowly penetrate into the soil. About ten days after transplanting, water apples ‘Golden Delicious’ again to promote growth. Watering thereafter should be based on external climate and soil conditions; there is no need to water when the soil is still moist. Water should be provided when the soil is relatively dry, but don’t water so much that it accumulates around the tree.
Watering once every 3-5 days in winter is generally advised. With sufficient sunlight in summer, apples ‘Golden Delicious’ should be watered once every 1-2 days. Be careful not to provide too much water each time. The best irrigation time is in the morning or on sunny days. This timing can promote water absorption and root respiration in the case of transpiration during the day. Avoid watering on rainy days, as this can easily cause root rot.
Soil
Apples ‘Golden Delicious’ can adapt to various soils. The most suitable soil for growth is slightly acidic or neutral, humus-rich, loose, well-drained, and sandy. The best pH range for the soil is 6-8. During cultivation, the soil can be mixed with garden soil, peat soil, and organic fertilizer in a proportion of 6:3:1.
Fertilizing
Apples ‘Golden Delicious’ prefers fertilizer, and soil fertility will affect its growth and reproduction. It is best to apply sufficient base fertilizer composed mostly of organic fertilizer as well as some quick-acting fertilizer. Fertilizer application in fall produces the best results; it promotes rooting and accumulation of more nutrients for the following year’s growth. Additionally, there are two other recommended fertilization times: before spring buds and when the fruit begins to grow. Dig out a small soil ditch 30 cm around the trunk, and then add the fertilizer evenly, water thoroughly, and loosen the soil properly after drying.
Planting Instructions
It is generally easiest to plant apples ‘Golden Delicious’ by buying seedlings rather than sowing seeds. The recommended planting time is before budding in early spring or after leaves fall in early winter. Before planting, thoroughly check whether the roots of the tree are healthy. If rotten roots are found, they need to be quickly cut and disinfected with carbendazim.
When planted in a garden, the pit depth should be about 40 cm and the diameter about 60 cm. If the root is large, the size of the pit needs to be twice as big as the root ball. Before transplanting, apply some rotten organic fertilizer as the base fertilizer. In severe cold zones, pay attention to keeping apples ‘Golden Delicious’ warm while transplanting. Add a cover such as wood chips or mulch at the base of the plant to ensure it overwinters safely.
Pruning
Pruning is very important for apples ‘Golden Delicious’ and is usually performed between late fall after its leaves drop and early spring before it sprouts. Pruning not only keeps branches scattered and maintains the tree’s shape, but also ensures ventilation and sunlight transmission, which is conducive to its growth. Promptly cut off dense, overlapping, thin, and infected branches, or prune out a suitable and aesthetic shape based on the viewing environment. When blooming, you can also cut off some branches and cut away withered flowers to promote budding and the blossoming of new branches.
When pruning and cutting longer branches, leave enough new buds for branches to grow better afterward.
Propagation
If there is a seedling growing at the root, you can cut the seedling from the plant before budding in spring or after leaves fall in autumn and winter. It is best to cut off the roots of the seedling and transplant them into new pots or dug pits.
Transplanting
Apples ‘Golden Delicious’ thrives when transplanted in early spring or late winter due to mild temperatures. Perform transplants in a sunny, well-drained location. Avoid waterlogged areas. Ensure good air circulation to minimize disease. Use mulch to retain moisture.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Ornamental uses
This deciduous apple tree adds a charming presence, tucked into a shrub border or planted as a specimen.
- Culinary uses
These apples are perfect for pies or enjoying on their own on a sunny day.