Golden Delicious Apple
Malus xdomestica 'Golden Delicious'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
180 inches
Width
180 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Medium
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
20-40 years
Native To
Cultivated origin
Toxicity
Seeds are toxic if ingested in quantity
The Story
Plant Bio
Malus domestica, the common apple, is a deciduous tree cultivated worldwide for its fruit. Trees are valued for their attractive spring blossoms and the wide variety of fruit flavors, sizes, and colors. 'Golden Delicious' is a world-famous American apple variety, discovered in the early 1900s. It is prized for its very sweet, honey-like flavor, crisp texture, and thin, golden-yellow skin. It is a self-fertile variety but produces better with a pollinator.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily
- Plant in deep, fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the roots, but just as deep
- Set the tree on a small mound of soil in the hole
- Ensure the graft union is 2-3 inches above the final soil line
- Backfill, water thoroughly, and mulch to the dripline
Pro Tip
For best fruit quality, thin apple clusters to one or two fruits per cluster when they are dime-sized.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide a pollinating partner like 'Gala' or 'Red Delicious' for a heavier crop
- Prune annually in late winter to maintain an open structure
- Follow a regular spray schedule to control common pests and diseases
- Water consistently, especially during fruit development
Don't
- Do not plant in a low-lying frost pocket
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leaves over fruit
- Don't allow grass and weeds to compete at the base of the tree
- Do not plant the graft union below the soil line
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spray | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Golden Delicious Apple questions
What zones can Golden Delicious Apple grow in?
Golden Delicious Apple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Golden Delicious Apple deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Golden Delicious Apple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Golden Delicious Apple bloom?
Golden Delicious Apple typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Golden Delicious Apple need full sun?
Golden Delicious Apple does best in full sun (6+ hours).
More Malus to compare
Honeycrisp Apple
Malus domestica 'Honeycrisp'
Pixie Crunch Apple
Malus domestica 'Pixie Crunch'
Golden Treat Apple
Malus domestica 'Golden Treat'
Apple
Malus domestica
Blushing Delight Apple
Malus domestica 'Blushing Delight'
Reachable Apple
Malus domestica 'Reachables'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Golden Delicious Apple with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
