Malus domestica 'Ginger Gold'
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- MAY-lus doh-MESS-tik-a
- Description
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The Ginger Gold apple is early ripening (mid-July in North Carolina). Ripening can vary by location from mid July to late August. It is heat tolerant which allows its fruit to ripen earlier than many apples. The fruit is medium-large, round or conical with a pale green appearance at first, then ripening to yellow gold. This tree is semi-dwarf, 12 to 15 feet, with a moderate growth rate.
This tree blooms at mid-season for apple trees, a bit later than early season April.
All apple trees require another apple cultivar for pollination. 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.
Soil type needed is average to loamy but it responds to enriched soil with better production. Apple trees do best with a slightly acidic soil pH in the range of 5.0 to 6.8.
Fruit production will respond best to full sun and air movement around the tree and through its branches. It is not recommended to place the tree near taller trees or structures that would shade it for a few hours each day. In summary, 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 Ginger Gold is especially subject to mildew. The location and maintenance suggested above help to keep the trees healthy.
The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common apple and crab apple diseases and other plant problems.
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
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Virginia USA
- 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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Edible
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- High
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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 Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12-24 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Summer
- 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 Bloom Time:
- Spring
- 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 pollinator with a similar bloom time.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Hairs Present:
- No
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Theme:
- Edible Garden
