Malus domestica 'Ginger Gold'
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- MAY-lus doh-MESS-tik-a
- Description
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The 'Ginger Gold' apple tree is a semi-dwarf cultivar of M. domestica (a combination of 'Golden Delicious', 'Albermarle Pippin', and another unknown variety) with fruit that ripen early (mid-July in North Carolina). The ripening can vary from mid July to late August depending on location. It is the tree's heat tolerance that allows its fruit to ripen earlier than many other apple varieties. The fruit is medium-large, round or conical, with a pale green appearance that ripens to yellow gold. This tree matures to 12 to 15 feet with a moderate growth rate.
Dwarf rootstock trees, such as 'Ginger Gold', need another variety of apple tree to facilitate pollination and fruit production. Most any variety will work if the bloom periods overlap adequately. Check the bloom times for your area for all options considered. A crabapple variety that blooms reliably each year is often suggested due to its long bloom time. For the 'Ginger Gold' specifically, the 'Red Delicious' or 'Honeycrisp' are often recommended.
Semi-dwarf or dwarf trees also need slightly more enriched, well-drained loamy soil that holds moisture and is slightly acidic, with a PH in the 6.0 to 6.5 range. Generally, the more dwarf the rootstock, the greater the need for soil fertility. 'Ginger Gold' apple trees tolerate average garden soils, but avoid unamended heavy clay soils that waterlog easily and drain poorly.
Fruit production responds best to full sun and air movement around the tree and through its branches. Do not place the tree near taller trees or structures that would shade it for a few hours each day. Air movement, sunlight, and good soil and drainage all lead to a healthy, productive tree.
Most apple trees are susceptible to a variety of fungi and diseases. The location and maintenance suggested above help to keep the trees healthy. Reducing fertilization in late summer can help protect the tree from some fungal conditions. A regular spraying program can also prevent disease and pest damage. Check with your county Cooperative Extension office for local treatment advice if needed.
The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common apple and crab apple diseases and other plant problems.
Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:
'Ginger Gold' is especially subject to mildew.
VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Malus
- Species:
- domestica
- Family:
- Rosaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Primarily for snacking, though it can be used for most other purposes. The flesh, of a cream color, resists browning more than most varieties. The flavor is mild but with a tart finish.
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Grafting
- Wildlife Value:
- Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers; small mammals and deer will eat dropped fruit.
- Edibility:
- The flavor is sweet, crisp and mild, with a tart finish. The cream-colored flesh resists browning more than many varieties on the market. It will hold its shape well when cooked, great for fresh salads and eating fresh. It can be kept longer than many varieties.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 12 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 12 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Edible
- Perennial
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Erect
- Rounded
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- High
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil pH:
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12-24 feet
- NC Region:
- Mountains
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Summer
- Fruit Type:
- Pome
- Fruit Length:
- > 3 inches
- Fruit Width:
- > 3 inches
- Fruit Description:
- 'Ginger Gold' apple is an early ripening apple (mid-July in North Carolina). The fruit is medium-large, conical with a pale green appearance at first, then ripens to yellow.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Cyme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Cup
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- This plant has white-pink blossoms in clusters in mid-April. However, it needs a another tree with a similar bloom time to cause pollination.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Ovate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Light Gray
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Meadow
- Naturalized Area
- Landscape Theme:
- Edible Garden
- Design Feature:
- Flowering Tree
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Heat
