Apple Grimes Golden

These apples are small to medium, with slight russeting (the rough texture present on the skin of some apples), a tall, slightly ribbed shape, lots of speckles, yellow flesh, and a heavenly aroma that will lure you to the tree before you even see it! A very high sugar content (19%) makes this a good dessert and cooking apple, but it's also indescribably yummy straight from the tree on a crisp autumn day.

You may ask why, since its flavor is clearly superior, Grimes Golden ever gave way to Golden Delicious as America's choice. The reason is simple: Golden Delicious travels better, so it became the crop of choice for large growers who shipped great distances. Grimes Golden is a home apple-grower's dream, however!

This little tree reaches only about 12 to 15 feet high and 10 to 15 feet wide, and because it is self-fertile, you need plant only one. Its rootstock is "MM.111," known for its drought tolerance and good adaptability. Grimes Golden also makes a good pollinator for other nearby apple varieties, so if you're growing one of our other heirlooms, IRoxbury Russet or Carolina Red, definitely put Grimes Golden into the mix!

Developed by Thomas Grimes of Virginia by 1804 (probably earlier, but that's our first written record of its existence), Grimes Golden is a very gardenworthy tree. It shows good resistance to fire blight as well as to cedar apple rust, and it harvests in early fall, making it suitable even for the north. You will adore this tree, and look forward to the fruit every year. Do find a place for it this season! Zones 5-8.