How to Grow Golden Delicious Apples - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Golden delicious apples is a plant that produces a fruit of the same name. The golden delicious apple is a cultivar of apple with a yellow-green skin. The flesh is white and crisp. The golden delicious apple is one of the most popular cultivars in the United States.

How to Grow Golden Delicious Apples - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Yellow apples
  • Golden apples
  • Delicious apples
  • Sweet apples
  • Juicy apples

Things to Know

  • Golden delicious apples are a variety of apple that is yellow or greenish-yellow in color.
  • They are believed to have originated in China and were introduced to the United States in the early 1900s.
  • Golden delicious apples are one of the most popular types of apples in the United States.
  • They are a good source of dietary fiber and vitamins A and C.
  • Golden delicious apples can be eaten fresh or used in a variety of recipes, such as pies and crisps.
  • When choosing a golden delicious apple, look for one that is firm and free of blemishes.
  • Store golden delicious apples in a cool, dry place until you are ready to eat them.
  • Golden delicious apples will last for up to two months when stored properly.
  • If you need to ripen a golden delicious apple, place it in a paper bag with a banana or an onion.
  • Golden delicious apples can be a healthy part of your diet and are a good snack option.

Related plant:
Golden Duranta

Growing Steps

  1. For golden delicious apples, first step is to plant the seed in a pot with well-draining soil.
  2. Water the seed regularly, making sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  3. Place the pot in a sunny spot and wait for the seed to germinate, which can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
  4. Once the seedling has sprouted, continue to water it regularly and fertilize it monthly with a half-strength solution of all-purpose fertilizer.
  5. When the plant is big enough, transplant it into a larger pot or directly into the ground in an area that receives full sun.
  6. Water the plant regularly, making sure the soil stays moist but not soggy.
  7. Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  8. Once the apples begin to form, thin out the fruit so that only the healthiest apples remain on the tree.
  9. Harvest the apples when they are ripe and enjoy!

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, it is optimum for Golden delicious apples if the soil is deep, well-drained, loamy and rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range is between 6.0 and 7.0. Soil test is necessary to determine the adequate level of fertilizers and amendments. The best time to fertilize is in early spring before the growth flush.

Light condition

Similar to other apple trees, the golden delicious variety needs full sun to produce the most fruit. It's a good idea to plant your tree in an area that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. If you live in an area with hot summers, you may need to provide some afternoon shade for your tree to prevent the leaves from burning.

The Temperature

The temperature condition for golden delicious apples is cool to cold. They can be stored at temperatures as low as 30°F, but are best kept at 32-35°F. If the apples are stored at too warm of a temperature, they will develop an off-flavor and become mealy.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%. If the relative humidity is too low, the plant will suffer from water stress which will cause the leaves to dry and fall off. If the relative humidity is too high, the plant will be more susceptible to fungal diseases.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, this family of plant foods contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as other essential plant nutrients. Fertilizer is often added to soils to supplement existing nutrients and improve plant growth. Different types of fertilizer are available, and the best one to use depends on the type of plants you are growing and the nutrients they need. For example, a nitrogen-rich fertilizer is good for green, leafy plants, while a phosphorus-rich fertilizer is better for root vegetables.

Light requirement

Pruning golden delicious apples is important to encourage growth and to ensure a good harvest. Apples need to be pruned in late winter or early spring, before the new growth begins. When pruning, remove any dead or diseased wood, and cut back any overgrown branches. This will encourage the apple tree to produce strong, healthy new growth.

About Propagating

Propagation is the process of creating new plant life from a parent plant. The most common method of propagation for golden delicious apples is through grafting. In this process, a small piece of the parent plant is attached to the rootstock of another plant. The rootstock is the lower part of the plant that is responsible for anchoring the plant in the ground and absorbing water and nutrients. The grafting process can be done by hand or with a machine.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate about 2 to 3 inches per year. However, the plant's specific growth rate depends on the variety of apple, the climate, and the amount of sunlight and water the plant receives.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are appeasing diseases, pests, and the weather. For diseases, fungicides are often used to prevent or control apple scab, cedar-apple rust, and powdery mildew. Pest control may include insecticides to manage codling moth, mites, and other pests. The weather can cause problems such as frost damage, sunscald, and windburn.

Basics of Growing

  • Do not forget to water your plant regularly. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer to the roots of the plant every month.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Place your plant in a sunny spot where it will get at least six hours of sunlight each day.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Treat them promptly if you spot any.
  • Harvest your apples when they are ripe. The skin should be golden yellow in color.
  • Store your apples in a cool, dry place.
  • Use a sharp knife to cut the apples for consumption.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the apples.
  • Enjoy your delicious golden apples!

You May Like

  • Delicious Apples:
  • Juicy Apples:
  • Crisp Apples:
  • tart apples:
  • Sweet Apples:
  • Ripe Apples:
  • Green Apples:
  • Red Apples:
  • Golden Apples:

Source:
Golden Delicious | WSU Tree Fruit | Washington State University
Gold EDU - Resources
Paper Minecraft: Updated (w/ Netherite, Elytra, Golden Apples ... - Scratch

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category