Apple Golden Delicious
Malus domestica Golden Delicious is a well-known and versatile apple variety, producing large, golden-yellow fruit with a sweet, mellow flavour and crisp, juicy texture. Excellent for fresh eating, baking, and preserving, it ripens in mid- to late Autumn and stores well for several months. Its reliable cropping and mild flavour make it a favourite in both home and commercial orchards.
Ideal for edible, cottage, and traditional garden settings, it also performs well in mixed orchard plantings.
Plant in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and moderate moisture. For best results, pair with a compatible mid-season pollinator such as Fuji or Braeburn.
Mature size: Typically grows 3–4 metres high and wide as a free-standing tree, or smaller when grafted onto dwarfing rootstock.
Trimming: Prune in late winter while the tree is dormant to create an open, vase-shaped structure. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve airflow and light penetration, which helps with even ripening and disease prevention.
Deadheading: Not applicable for apple trees.
Fertilising: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring before new growth starts. An annual mulch of compost or well-rotted manure around the base (avoiding contact with the trunk) will support soil health and moisture retention.
Watering: Water deeply and consistently, especially during dry periods and while the fruit is developing. Young trees need regular watering until well established.
Pest Control: Susceptible to codling moth, aphids, and apple sawfly. Use pheromone traps for moths, and treat aphids with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Regular monitoring and removal of affected foliage can help reduce pest pressure.
Disease Management: Prone to apple scab and powdery mildew. Look for dark, scabby spots on fruit and powdery white coating on leaves or young shoots. Prune for good air circulation, remove and destroy fallen leaves, and apply appropriate fungicides during the growing season if needed.
Enjoy complimentary delivery anywhere in mainland New Zealand when you purchase plants worth $250 or more*.
For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:
- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
- Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
- Waiheke, Chatham and Great Barrier Islands: Please contact us for shipping options.
We aim to have all orders shipped within 14 days from the order date, unless a different shipping date is specified alongside a product.
