Grandpa's Gold Apple

Malus domestica 'Grandpa's Gold'

Grandpa's Gold is one of the best early summer apples around. Slightly later picking than Lodi, which is closely resembles. The large fruit ripens early in August. The flesh is white and the skin yellow-green and smooth. It has excellent tart flavor early on, but as it hangs on the tree it gets sweeter and the flavor improves. For a summer apple it stores quite well and hangs on the trees for several weeks.

Height 12-15 Feet

Spread 10-14 Feet

USDA Hardiness Zone 5-8

Malus domestica 'Grandpa's Gold' Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips Grandpa's Gold is similar to Golden Delicious in growing habit and fruiting. Thin early for good size, as it can set a heavy crop. If not thinned well, it can become biennial bearing. It is susceptible to scab and fire blight. Do not push it to be too vigorous, and spray for scab early on and regularly.

A Little History about Grandpa's Gold Apple This apple became one of Grandpa's favorite varieties. As a boy, Grandpa ate many a Lodi apple and always came away with a "belly ache", but when he was older and planted Grandpa's Gold, no more stomach aches! Grandpa's Gold was introduced in 1979 by one of Grandpa's nursery friends under a different name and he planted several blocks of them. As they hang on the trees, the apples get better and better!

Malus domestica 'Grandpa's Gold' Characteristics & Attributes

Bloom Character • Tends to biennial bear • Thin early for size • Early blooming • Excellent pollinizer • Pollinizer needed	Fruit Characteristics • Medium size fruit	Growth Rate/Habit • Spreading habit • Average vigor • Very productive	Harvest Period • Early summer • Extended harvest
Other Attributes • Sweet-tart • Very crisp • Very juicy	Site Requirements • Full Sun • Winter hardy	Skill Required • Average skill	Uses • Good for sauce • Juice or Cider • High dessert quality • Cooking or baking • Good for pies