Dorsett Golden Apple

Malus domestica 'Dorsett Golden'

A unique apple variety specifically bred for warm climates, thriving where other apples fail in zones 8-10. This low-chill variety produces crisp, sweet apples with beautiful golden-yellow skin and can fruit in areas with mild winters. Originally developed in the Bahamas, it's perfect for southern gardeners who thought they couldn't grow apples.

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

4–9

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

15-30 feet

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Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Transplant

Harvest

Transplant

Harvest

Showing dates for Dorsett Golden Apple in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Dorsett Golden Apple · Zones 4–9

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy to moderate

Spacing12-15 feet apart

SoilWell-drained soil, adaptable to various types

pH6.0-7.0

WaterRegular deep watering, 1-2 inches per week

SeasonDeciduous fruit tree with low chill requirement

FlavorSweet-tart, crisp and juicy with tropical undertones

ColorGolden yellow with occasional red blush

SizeMedium, 3 inches diameter

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 4	—	June – July	—	June – September
Zone 5	—	May – July	—	June – October
Zone 6	—	May – July	—	June – October
Zone 7	—	May – June	—	June – October
Zone 8	—	April – June	—	June – November
Zone 9	—	March – May	—	June – December

Complete Growing Guide

Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 15 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 24-60 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: CrimsonCrisp®, 'Empire', 'Fuji', 'Gala', 'Ginger Gold', 'Golden Delicious', 'Jonagold', 'Mutsu', 'Red Delicious', 'Rome', 'Stayman'. Propagation: Grafting, Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Large, round, firm fruits that often have a waxy coating. Some varieties ripen late summer and some in the fall.

Color: Gold/Yellow, Green, Red/Burgundy. Type: Pome. Length: > 3 inches. Width: > 3 inches.

Garden value: Edible

Harvest time: Fall, Summer

Bloom time: Spring

Edibility: Fruits can be eaten raw and cooked in a variety of dishes.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh Dorsett Golden apples store best in the refrigerator at 32-35°F with high humidity, lasting 2-3 months when properly stored. For short-term storage, keep at room temperature for up to one week, though the crisp texture diminishes quickly in warm climates. Store in perforated plastic bags or the crisper drawer to maintain humidity.

For preservation, these apples excel in applesauce and light baking applications where their sweet-tart flavor and tropical notes shine. Slice and dehydrate at 135°F for 8-12 hours to create apple chips. They also freeze well when sliced and treated with lemon juice to prevent browning – blanch slices for 2 minutes before freezing for best texture retention. The natural sweetness makes them ideal for unsweetened applesauce that captures their unique flavor profile.

History & Origin

Origin: Central Asia to Afghanistan

Advantages

+Attracts: Pollinators, Small Mammals
+Edible: Fruits can be eaten raw and cooked in a variety of dishes.

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Chives

Repels aphids and improves apple tree health through natural pest deterrence

Nasturtiums

Acts as trap crop for aphids and attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs

Marigolds

Deters nematodes and various pests while attracting pollinators

Comfrey

Deep roots bring nutrients to surface and leaves make excellent mulch

Clover

Fixes nitrogen in soil and provides ground cover to retain moisture

Lavender

Repels moths and other pests while attracting beneficial pollinators

Dill

Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control apple pests

Tansy

Deters ants, mice, and various insects that can damage apple trees

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone which is toxic to apple trees and inhibits growth

Grass

Competes heavily for water and nutrients, especially problematic for young trees

Pine Trees

Acidifies soil and needle drop creates unfavorable growing conditions

Nutrition Facts

Calories

25kcal(1%)

Protein

0.6g(1%)

Carbs

5.7g(2%)

Fat

0.3g(0%)

Vitamin C

22.3mg(25%)

Vitamin A

17mcg(2%)

Iron

0.07mg(0%)

Calcium

29mg(2%)

Potassium

123mg(3%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #168171)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good resistance to fire blight, moderate scab resistance

Common Pests

Codling moth, aphids, scale insects, fruit flies

Diseases

Apple scab, powdery mildew, fire blight

Frequently Asked Questions

How many chill hours does Dorsett Golden apple need?▼

Dorsett Golden requires only 100-400 chill hours, making it ideal for zones 8-10 where winters are mild. This low chill requirement allows it to fruit reliably in areas where traditional apples won't produce, including southern states, coastal California, and subtropical regions.

Can you grow Dorsett Golden apple in containers?▼

Yes, Dorsett Golden grows well in large containers (minimum 20-gallon capacity) with excellent drainage. Use quality potting mix, provide consistent water and fertilizer, and ensure 6-8 hours of morning sun. Container growing allows northern gardeners to move trees indoors during winter if desired.

What does Dorsett Golden apple taste like?▼

Dorsett Golden has a sweet-tart flavor with crisp, juicy texture and distinctive tropical undertones that set it apart from traditional apples. The flavor is refreshing and complex, making it excellent for fresh eating and light culinary applications where its unique character can shine.

When should I plant Dorsett Golden apple trees?▼

Plant Dorsett Golden trees in late winter to early spring after the last frost date in your area. This timing allows the tree to establish roots during mild weather before facing summer heat. In zones 9-10, you can also plant in fall for establishment during cooler months.

Do Dorsett Golden apples need a pollinator?▼

Yes, Dorsett Golden requires cross-pollination for best fruit production. Anna apple is the ideal pollinator partner, as both varieties were bred to complement each other, have similar bloom times, and thrive in the same warm climate conditions.

How long does it take for Dorsett Golden apple to bear fruit?▼

Dorsett Golden typically begins producing fruit 2-4 years after planting, depending on tree size at planting and growing conditions. Dwarf varieties may fruit sooner, while standard trees take longer to establish. Proper care, pollination, and favorable climate accelerate fruit production.