Dorsett Golden Apple Tree

Dorsett Golden is a low-chill dessert apple that originated in the Bahamas in the early 1950s. Its golden-yellow fruit develops a light red blush and firm, crisp flesh; the University of Florida reports typical fruit about 2–2½ inches across. In North Florida, it ripens from late May into June, while harvest timing shifts with climate. ## Pollination and Site Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. The University of Florida reports a chilling requirement of about 250–300 hours and describes Dorsett Golden as a medium-height, upright to semi-spreading tree. Tree size depends on rootstock, so retain the nursery’s rootstock information when selecting a planting location. Apples generally need pollen from another compatible cultivar for dependable crops; UF lists Anna, Dorsett Golden, and TropicSweet as pollinizers for one another. See the [UF/IFAS low-chill apple guide](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG368) for cultivar and regional details, and [Oklahoma State Extension’s apple-growing guide](https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/growing-apples-in-the-home-garden) for general pollination guidance. ## Harvest Pick fruit when it reaches full size and golden color. In warm-winter areas, the low chilling requirement can make this cultivar more suitable than many standard apples, though local winter chill and spring weather still affect bloom and crop set. The firm fruit stores refrigerated for several weeks. ## Maintenance Water consistently while the tree establishes and adjust irrigation to rainfall and soil texture. Train young trees to a strong central framework. Prune during dormancy, generally January through March in the UF/IFAS low-chill growing region, removing dead wood and crowded shoots while keeping the canopy open for light and airflow.