Stark® Golden Delicious Apple Tree
Description
Change your perception of what “delicious” really means. In 1914, Paul Stark Sr. introduced an apple with an outstanding flavor that was sweet and juicy with a hint of spice. This highly productive tree bears the sensational fruit that, when picked at its peak, is better than what you find in supermarkets. An instant favorite for pies, salads, and your taste buds. Discovered by Anderson Mullins in West Virginia. Cold-hardy and heat-tolerant. One of the most dependable pollinators for other varieties. Ripens in late September. Self-pollinating.
Survival Guaranteed!


Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will send you a free one-time replacement, with a nominal shipping fee of $9.99. If the item in question is not available, we can issue a one-time credit to your account equaling the original product purchase price or issue you a refund. Read more about our warranty policy.
Characteristics
Bloom Color | White |
Bloom Time | Mid |
Chill Hours | 800 - 1500 |
Fruit Color | Yellow |
Fruit Size | Medium - Large |
Hardiness Zone Range | 4 - 9 |
Pollination | Self-Pollinating |
Ripens/Harvest | Late September |
Shade/Sun | Full Sun |
Soil Composition | Loamy |
Soil Moisture | Well Drained |
Soil pH Level | 6.0 - 7.0 |
Taste | Mild, Sweet |
Texture | Crisp, White |
Years to Bear | 2 - 5 |
Size & Spacing
Mature Size
Semi-Dwarf | 12 - 15' tall x 12 - 15' wide |
Dwarf | 8 - 10' tall x 8 - 10' wide |
Recommended Spacing
Semi-Dwarf | 12 - 15' |
Dwarf | 8 - 10' |
Zone Compatibility
Pollination
This variety is self pollinating.
Tools & Supplies
Planting & Care
Learn all about how to grow apple trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.
Shipping Information
Arrives when it's time to plant
Questions & Answers
That depends on the tree, variety, environment, care, and maintenance. If you start with an average 3-4 ft tall apple tree, then I'd estimate it would be around 4-6 years after planting before it's near its 8-ft height. Just an estimate though. It's important to note that, under the right conditions, the tree often fruits before it has reached its mature height.
Golden Delicious blooms mid season, which overlaps the later blossoms of early-blooming varieties as well as the blossoms of later-blooming varieties. This helps it to be an excellent pollinator for other apple trees.
Short answer is: yes. You can espalier practically any fruit tree, including this one. The dwarf size is the easiest to espalier. Our detailed article can be found here: //www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/espalier-fruit-trees Our detailed article can be found here: //www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/espalier-fruit-trees
How old is your tree? I would prune the shade tree so it gets more sun. Is it healthy? Are you feeding it with fertilizer? Does it get plenty of water?
You can grow almost anything in a container! The dwarf size will give you the best chance of success. This excellent article will answer your questions and provide good advice. Please see "Growing Fruit Trees in Containers" //www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/fruit-trees-in-containers-pt1
I think the nearby cedar trees are the problem. I planted three apple trees in my yard 7 years ago...a braeburn, a honey crisp and an urban green apple tree. If I get blossoms, they quickly shrivel up and fall off. Two years ago I added a supreme- dwarf golden delicious for pollination. I wracked my brain trying to figure out what the problem was....I had pruned and fertilized. Finally, through research, I discovered that the near by eastern cedar hedge must be the problem. The only onther plant/tree in my yard that wasn't thriving/blossoming was a double mock orange blossom....had it 5 years and it never bloomed. I read that the eastern cedar causes problems with both apple trees and mock orange blossoms! My neighbor isn't getting rid of his hedge; therefore, I will probably offer the apple trees to a friend with acreage.
The golden delicious apple tree starts to grow leaves in mid to late April.
I am having trouble sifting through the trees that your system says are good for my zip code here in Florida which sits on the line of 9B and 10A as so many of your trees that say they are good for zone 9 show as good for me and then require 600-800 chill hours which we get nowhere near here and I don't think most zone 9 areas get. Is it possible to list required chill hours in top easy to find in all of your fruit trees instead of requiring everyone to ask for each one? Thanks, TJ
Typically Late September.
Just yellow spots = too much water, yellow with Brown middle is Apple Rust and you need to spray your trees
I love to bake and it is an excellent choice for my zone (9A)
I grew up with apple trees and wanted to one of my own.
Good for baking and had one previously that was beautiful
Was looking for a self pollinator, and partner for my other apple tree.