golden delicious apple tree

**MomK** · 05-10-2009, 07:07 PM

Dh and Dks bought me a golden delicious apple tree for Mother's Day. I have no knowledge about them. Any advice? Thanks!

**frugalwarrior** · 05-10-2009, 08:00 PM

All I know is when we get them off the trees at the orchard they don't store as long as red delicious or other apples. They are a bit softer imho.

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 05-10-2009, 08:06 PM

Lots of sun, water at least every other day for the next 2 to 3 weeks while its getting established. If you haven't put it in the ground yet do the following things.
Big number one When selecting site think about the tree in the next 5 to 10 years. Are you planting it where it can branch out without running into something eles, like wires, edge of other trees or the house. Plant it wher it has room to grown up, out and down. Do you have a variety that needs to cross pollinate. Check tag on tree. If so get a mate now and plant it near but not to near. Same things would apply to it. When you dig the hole dig it twice the size you need. Add some compost or time realised granuales. Or (this may sound gross) a piece of roadkill the decomposing piece will feed the plant. When you unball it spread the roots out. If you leave them balled up it takes long for the tree to establish itself. Stake it for at least 6 monthes but keep an eye on the wraps that the tree doesn't start to girdle.
Remember the tree will spend this first year growing roots and getting settled. Don't expect great things out of it. Read about it. What type of pollenators does it have. Don't kill hornets if they are your pollenators.

Laurie in Bradenton

**madhen** · 05-10-2009, 08:38 PM

Keep in mind, as well, that it needs to put some energy into sending out roots. If it is bare root, prune the branches back hard before planting. If it is already budding out, plant it first and give it some time before you start cutting back. Prune to achieve a natural open center (called "vase" pruning) and prune off any branches that are crossing/rubbing each other. Golden Delicious doesn't need a pollinator, so you should be good to go there.

Fruit grows on spurs from 2-year old branches, and often won't start on a transplanted tree for a few years, so don't get discouraged if you don't get fruit next year.

**Pemberleyan** · 05-16-2009, 08:01 AM

I have read that they are the "roosters" of the fruit tree world, meaning they are good for helping to pollinate other trees. We recently planted a variety of fruit trees, not giving any thought to the fact that lone varieties of fruit tree often need other similar trees to pollinate and bear fruit. So, I have been looking for a golden delicious apple tree to help.

Be sure to plant it somewhere with plenty of room to grow.

**fixer** · 05-16-2009, 09:48 AM

Fruit trees are like Lay's potato chips. It is hard to have just one. The Golden Delicious makes a good centerpiece. Make sure your soil fertility will support it and learn all you can from your local Cooperative Extension Service. An old-timer once told me you need either three or three thousand trees. It does not take much more to care for more than one.

**MomK** · 05-16-2009, 12:48 PM

I always know where to go for great advice...Frugal Village! I've planted it according to the directions on the tag and with the advice of my fellow FVers. A week later...and it's still alive! We've had a very wet spring here in AR. It's been hard to do any yard work/gardening!

Thanks to everyone!