Apple, Golden Dorsett

Dorsett Golden Apple (Malus domestica 'Dorsett Golden') is a low-chill apple variety well-suited for warmer climates. The apples are medium-sized, with a yellow skin often flushed with a pinkish-red blush. The flesh is firm, crisp, and sweet, making them excellent for fresh eating and cooking.

Hardiness Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5-9. It is especially popular in regions with mild winters, such as the southern United States and coastal areas of California.

Height and Width

Height: Typically grows to a height of 10-20 feet (3-6 meters) depending on the rootstock and growing conditions.

Width: Spreads to a width of 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters).

Uses

Fresh Eating: The sweet and crisp apples are perfect for fresh consumption.

Culinary: Ideal for baking, making applesauce, and other culinary uses. The apples hold their shape well when cooked.

Pollinator: Often planted alongside other apple varieties like 'Anna' for cross-pollination, enhancing fruit set and yield.

Native Range: The Dorsett Golden apple is not native to any specific region; it was discovered in the Bahamas. It is a cultivated variety developed to thrive in warm climates with low chill requirements.

Planting and Care

1. Site Selection: Choose a location with full sun exposure (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) and good air circulation to reduce disease risk.

2. Soil: Prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Amend soil with organic matter to improve fertility and drainage if necessary.

3. Watering: Water young trees regularly to establish roots. Once established, water deeply but infrequently, especially during dry periods.

4. Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. Additional feeding during the growing season may enhance growth and fruit production.

5. Pruning: Prune in late winter while the tree is dormant. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches to promote good structure and airflow.

6. Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

Pests and Diseases

Pests: Be vigilant for common apple pests such as aphids, apple maggots, and codling moths. Use organic or chemical pest control methods as needed.

Diseases: Monitor for apple scab, powdery mildew, and fire blight. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk.

Pollination

Pollination: Dorsett Golden requires cross-pollination with another apple variety that blooms at the same time. 'Anna' apple is a popular choice for this purpose, as it has similar low-chill requirements.

Additional Tips

Thinning: Thin the fruit in early summer to prevent branches from breaking under the weight of too many apples and to improve the size and quality of the remaining fruit.

Harvesting: Dorsett Golden apples are typically ready for harvest in early to mid-summer. The exact timing can vary depending on the local climate.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

California: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Juglans spp. (Walnut), Pinus spp. (Pine), Quercus spp. (Oak)  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. (Cherry, Peach, Plum). Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Cornus spp. (Dogwood), Quercus spp. (Oak), Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)  

Georgia: Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry)  

Hawaii: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Idaho: Humulus lupulus (Hops), Mentha spp. (Mint), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Indiana: Fragraria spp. (Strawberry), Rosa spp. (Rose)  

Kansas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Michigan: Abies spp. (Fir), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry)  

Montana: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Nevada: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

New Jersey: Rosa spp. (Rose)  

New York: Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Oregon: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Quercus spp. (Oak), Sambucus nigra (European Elderberry), Ulmus spp. (Elm), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Texas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Washington: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Wisconsin: Abies spp. (Fir), Pinus spp. (Pine), Picea spp. (Spruce), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.