Golden Delicious apple plant

Golden Delicious apple plants This variety began with a chance shoot discovered in America in 1890. It later spread to many countries and became popular in commercial and amateur orchards. The original description notes more than 30 years of widespread cultivation. Young trees have conical crowns that become broad and rounded with age. Strong, dense, much-branched limbs bend and droop under the crop. Oval leaves are glossy, smooth and rich green, with distinct brownish veins, slightly wavy toothed edges and strong petioles. Bark is dark grey. Flowering is late and prolonged, with white saucer-like flowers tinted pale pink. Mature height is 3–4 m. Rootstock affects yield and disease resistance. First fruit appears in years 2–3. Cropping is annual, although a heavy crop may be followed by fewer, smaller apples. Yield depends on age and care. Fruit is usually sunny yellow. Skin is firm, dry and slightly rough, with tiny dark dots. Aromatic flesh may be white, yellowish or slightly greenish and is juicy and sweet. Ripe seeds are small, firm and brown. Mature apples remain on the branches without dropping. Harvest is in September. A pollinator is needed; Jonathan, Kuban and Delicious are suggested. Golden Delicious is widely used in breeding for its early bearing, pest resistance and dessert qualities.