Golden Delicious Apple Fruit Tree (Malus domestica 'Golden Delicious')

Golden Delicious Apple Tree Description

The Golden Delicious apple tree is a versatile and widely popular cultivar, particularly well-suited to the warmer regions of the UK. This renowned variety produces tall, rich yellow apples, often developing a slightly ribbed appearance. As the fruit ripens, the initially greenish-yellow skin deepens to a vibrant golden hue, enhancing its visual appeal. When fully mature, the flesh of the Golden Delicious is cream-coloured with a subtle greenish tinge, offering a crisp, juicy texture and a sweet, honeyed flavour. Locally grown in the UK, its taste is often superior to that of imported Golden Delicious apples.

This variety is not self-fertile, requiring a pollinator such as Cox’s Orange Pippin, James Grieve, or Elstar to ensure good fruit production. The Golden Delicious is highly regarded for its heavy and regular cropping, with apples that store well for several months, typically from November through February. Its reliable performance and ease of cultivation make it an excellent choice for UK gardens, suitable for both dessert and culinary uses.

Pruning Advice

Regular pruning is essential to maintain the health, shape, and productivity of the Golden Delicious apple tree:

Winter Pruning: Conduct the main pruning during winter, when the tree is dormant. Begin by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged wood to encourage healthy growth.

Shape and Structure: Aim to create an open, goblet-shaped canopy to allow sunlight and air to circulate through the branches. This helps reduce the risk of disease and improves fruit quality.

Thin Crowded Branches: Remove overcrowded or crossing branches, especially in the centre of the tree, to prevent congestion and promote airflow.

Manage Height and Spread: Control the tree's height and spread by cutting back vigorous shoots and water sprouts. Focus on shortening lateral branches to encourage the formation of fruiting spurs.

Summer Pruning: Light summer pruning can be done to control excessive growth and improve light exposure to the developing fruit. This also helps direct the tree’s energy toward ripening apples.

Further Information

Planting distances are largely a matter of preference. For bare root plants, spacing them at 3 plants per meter is sufficient, 5 plants is optimal, and 7 plants in a double staggered row will result in a denser hedge more quickly. Generally, smaller plants should be planted at a higher density. For cell-grown plants, spacing at 4 plants per meter in a single row or ideally 6 plants per meter in a staggered row is recommended.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £9.98 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.