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The Golden Delicious apple tree variety has spread from the USA. At the end of the 19th century, seedlings were discovered by farmer A.Kh. Mullins of West Virginia. Golden Delicious is one of the symbols of the state, which is also included in the 15 best varieties of America.
In the Soviet Union, the variety was included in the State Register in 1965. It is grown in the North Caucasus, Central, Northwestern and other regions of the country. In Russia, this variety of apple tree is known under the names “Golden Excellent” and “Apple-Pear”.
Characteristics of the variety
Description of the Golden Delicious apple tree:
- tree height up to 3 m;
- in young plants the bark is cone-shaped, when entering the fruiting stage it is wide, rounded;
- adult plants have a crown resembling a weeping willow in shape;
- Fruiting of the apple tree begins at 2-3 years;
- shoots of medium thickness, slightly curved;
- oval leaves with widened base and pointed tips;
- rich green leaf color;
- The flowers are white with a pinkish tint.
Fruit characteristics:
- rounded slightly conical shape;
- medium sizes;
- weight 130-200 g;
- dry rough skin;
- unripe fruits are bright green in color, becoming yellow as they ripen;
- greenish pulp, sweet, juicy and aromatic, acquires a yellowish tint during storage;
- dessert sour-sweet taste, improves with long-term storage.
The tree is harvested from mid-October. If stored in a cool place, apples are suitable for consumption until March. In places with dry air they lose a little juiciness.
Fruits from trees are collected with care. Mechanical impact may cause deformation of the apples.
Photo of Golden Delicious apple tree:
Apples can withstand long-term transportation. The variety is suitable for growing for sale, eating fresh fruits and processing.
The variety is characterized by increased productivity. About 80-120 kg are collected from an adult tree. Fruiting is periodic, depending on care and weather conditions.
The Golden Delicious variety needs a pollinator. The apple tree is self-sterile. The best pollinators are Jonathan, Redgold, Melrose, Freiberg, Prima, Kuban spur, Korea. Trees are planted every 3 m.
Resistance to frost and winter frosts is low. In regions with cold climates, apple trees often freeze out. Trees need treatment for diseases.
Apple tree planting
An apple tree of the Golden Delicious variety is planted in a prepared area. Seedlings are purchased from trusted centers and nurseries. If planted correctly, the tree's lifespan will be up to 30 years.
Site preparation
A sunny area, protected from the wind, is allocated for the apple tree. The site should be away from buildings, fences and mature fruit trees.
The apple tree is planted on the southeast or south side. In regions with cold climates, planting next to the walls of a building is allowed. The fence will provide protection from the wind, and the sun's rays will be reflected from the walls and better warm the soil.
The apple tree prefers fertile, light soil. In such soil, the roots have access to oxygen, the tree absorbs nutrients and develops well. The permissible location of groundwater is up to 1.5 m. At a higher level, the winter hardiness of the tree decreases.
Plants with an open root system are suitable for planting. It is best to purchase plants immediately before starting work.
Work order
The apple tree is planted in the spring at the end of April or in the fall in September. The planting hole is dug a month before the start of work.
Photo of the Golden Delicious apple tree after planting:
Apple tree planting procedure:
- First, dig a hole measuring 60x60 cm and 50 cm deep.
- Add 0.5 kg of ash and a bucket of compost to the soil. A small mound is placed at the bottom of the pit.
- The roots of the tree are straightened and the apple tree is placed on the hill. The root collar is placed 2 cm above the ground surface.
- A wooden support is driven into the hole.
- The roots of the apple tree are covered with earth, which is compacted well.
- A depression is made around the trunk for watering.
- The apple tree is watered generously with 2 buckets of water.
- The seedling is tied to a support.
- When the water is absorbed, the soil is mulched with humus or peat.
In areas with poor soil, the size of the tree pit is increased to 1 m. The amount of organic matter is increased to 3 buckets, and an additional 50 g of potassium salt and 100 g of superphosphate are added.
Variety care
The Golden Delicious apple tree produces a high yield with regular care. The variety is not resistant to drought, so special attention is paid to watering. Trees are fed several times a season with mineral or organic fertilizers. To prevent diseases, spray with special preparations.
Watering
Every week the seedling is watered with warm water. One month after planting, one watering every 3 weeks is sufficient.
To water the tree, furrows 10 cm deep are made around the circumference of the crown. In the evening, the apple tree is watered using the sprinkling method. The soil should be wet to a depth of 70 cm.
The first application of moisture is carried out before the buds open. Trees under 5 years old are watered weekly. An adult apple tree is watered after flowering when the ovaries are forming, then 2 weeks before harvesting. During drought, trees require additional watering.
Top dressing
At the end of April, the Golden Delicious apple tree is fed with organic matter containing nitrogen. 3 buckets of humus are added to the soil. Of the mineral substances, urea can be used in an amount of 0.5 kg.
Before flowering, trees are fed with superphosphate and potassium sulfate. For a 10-liter bucket of water, measure 40 g of potassium sulfate and 50 g of superphosphate. The substances are dissolved in water and watered at the root of the apple tree.
The last treatment is carried out after harvesting. 250 g of potash and phosphorus fertilizer are applied under the tree.
Trimming
Proper pruning promotes crown formation and stimulates fruiting of the apple tree. Treatment is carried out in spring and autumn.
In spring, dry and frozen shoots are removed. The remaining branches are shortened, leaving 2/3 of the length. Be sure to cut out shoots growing inside the tree. When several branches are intertwined, the youngest ones are left.
In the fall, dry and broken branches of the apple tree are also pruned and healthy shoots are shortened. A cloudy day is chosen for processing. The sections are treated with garden varnish.
Protection from diseases
According to the description, the Golden Delicious apple tree is affected by scab, a fungal disease that penetrates the bark of trees. As a result, yellow spots appear on the leaves and fruits, which darken and crack.
In autumn, the soil under the apple tree is dug up, and the crown is sprayed with a solution of copper sulfate. Before and after the growing season, trees are treated with Zircon to protect against scab.
The resistance of the Golden Delicious apple tree to powdery mildew is rated as average. The disease has the appearance of a whitish coating that affects shoots, buds and leaves. Gradually they die off.
For preventive purposes, trees are sprayed against powdery mildew with Horus or Tiovit Jet. Apple tree treatments can be carried out after 10-14 days. No more than 4 sprayings are carried out per season.
To combat diseases, affected parts of trees are removed, and fallen leaves are burned in the fall. Crown pruning, rationing watering, and regular fertilizing help protect plantings from diseases.
During the growing season of apple trees, biological products are used against insects that do not harm plants and humans: Bitoxibacillin, Fitoverm, Lepidocide.
Reviews from gardeners
Conclusion
Golden Delicious apple tree is a common variety grown in the southern regions. The variety is in demand in the USA and Europe; it is distinguished by tasty fruits that have universal use. The tree is cared for by watering and fertilizing. The variety is susceptible to diseases, so during the season they follow the rules of agricultural technology and carry out several preventive treatments.
