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Description
Malus Domestica Golden Delicious, commonly known as the Golden Delicious apple, is a popular cultivar of domesticated apple tree. The fruit of this tree is known for its yellow-green skin and sweet, mellow flavor. The Golden Delicious apple is a favorite among apple lovers and is widely grown in orchards around the world.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus ||——–|———|——–|——-|——-|——–|——-|| Eukarya | Plantae | Spermatophyta | Magnoliopsida | Rosales | Rosaceae | Malus |
Appearance
The Golden Delicious apple is a medium to large sized fruit with a yellow-green skin that is often speckled with small brown spots. The flesh of the apple is firm and juicy with a pale yellow color. The flavor of the apple is sweet and mild with a hint of tartness. The tree itself is a medium-sized deciduous tree with a rounded crown and dark green leaves.
Care Guide
To ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest of Golden Delicious apples, it is important to provide proper care for the tree. Here are some tips:- Water: The tree should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Repeat every four to six weeks during the growing season.- Soil: The Golden Delicious apple tree prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.- Sunlight: The tree requires full sun to grow and produce fruit.- Hardiness Zones: The Golden Delicious apple tree is hardy in zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Golden Delicious apple tree is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:- Apple scab: A fungal disease that causes dark spots on the leaves and fruit.- Codling moth: A pest that attacks the fruit and leaves of the tree.- Aphids: Small insects that feed on the leaves and stem of the tree.- Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves.To prevent these issues, it is important to practice good orchard management, including proper pruning, regular inspection, and treatment as needed.
Habitat
The Golden Delicious apple tree is native to West Virginia, USA. However, it is widely grown in orchards around the world. The tree is adaptable to a range of soil conditions and climates, but it prefers well-draining soil and full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: How long does it take for a Golden Delicious apple tree to produce fruit?
A: It typically takes about 3-5 years for a Golden Delicious apple tree to produce its first fruit.
Q: Can Golden Delicious apples be used for baking?
A: Yes, Golden Delicious apples are a great choice for baking due to their sweet, mellow flavor and firm texture.
Q: Is the Golden Delicious apple self-pollinating?
A: No, the Golden Delicious apple tree requires cross-pollination with another apple tree to produce fruit.
Q: When is the best time to harvest Golden Delicious apples?
A: Golden Delicious apples are typically harvested in late September or early October when they are fully ripe and have a bright yellow-green color.
Related Plants
– Malus Domestica Red Delicious- Malus Domestica Granny Smith- Malus Domestica Braeburn- Malus Domestica Fuji
References
– “Golden Delicious Apple Trees.” Stark Bro’s. https://www.starkbros.com/products/fruit-trees/apple-trees/golden-delicious-apple- “Malus Domestica ‘Golden Delicious’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286150&isprofile=0&basic=malus%20golden%20delicious- “Golden Delicious.” Orange Pippin. https://www.orangepippin.com/apples/golden-delicious
