GoldRush Apple Tree

GoldRush is the apple that rewards patience — tart and tangy at October harvest, it transforms in storage into a richly complex, spiced dessert apple with a depth of flavor that few other varieties can match. Developed through the legendary Purdue-Rutgers-Illinois (PRI) cooperative breeding program and introduced in 1993 as Co-op 38, it’s immune to apple scab and highly resistant to powdery mildew — one of the finest disease-resistant apples available for organic and low-spray home orchards. Firm, crisp, medium-sized golden fruit that holds peak quality in proper cold storage for up to 7 months. Cold hardy in Zones 5–8.

Tart at Harvest — Rich and Spiced by December

GoldRush’s flavor journey is one of the most compelling in the apple world. At mid-to-late October harvest, the flavor is bright, tart, and tangy. In storage, the sugars develop and the character deepens — a spiced, complex quality emerges over the weeks and months that makes December and January GoldRush apples genuinely exceptional. That flavor development makes GoldRush unique among keeping apples: it doesn’t just hold its harvest quality, it actively improves. Seven months of peak-quality storage means apples harvested in October are still excellent the following spring.

Immune to Scab — Outstanding for Organic Growing

Scab immunity is the highest level of disease resistance available — not just resistance, but complete immunity to one of the most damaging and universal apple diseases. Combined with high resistance to powdery mildew and moderate resistance to fire blight, GoldRush may have the most practical disease package available for home orchardists who want to grow organic or near-organic apples without intensive spray programs. The PRI cooperative breeding program that developed it — partnering Purdue, Rutgers, and the University of Illinois — has produced some of the most disease-resistant apples of the modern era.

Outstanding for Fresh Eating, Baking, and Cider

The firm, crisp flesh and complex sweet-tart-spiced flavor make GoldRush one of the most versatile late-season apples available. Outstanding for fresh eating after a few weeks in storage, it holds its shape beautifully through baking and delivers genuine flavor complexity to cider blends — particularly valued by cider makers for the spiced, aromatic character it contributes.

Why Growers Choose GoldRush

• Immune to apple scab — the highest level of disease resistance available
• Flavor improves in storage — complex spiced richness develops over months
• Up to 7 months of peak quality storage — exceptional long-term keeping apple
• PRI Co-op 38, introduced 1993 — Purdue, Rutgers, and University of Illinois breeding pedigree
• Highly resistant to powdery mildew — outstanding for organic and low-spray programs
• Outstanding for fresh eating, baking, and cider — versatile across every use