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Golden Russet apple tree

Golden Russet
Golden Russet is listed in the RHS Plants for Pollinators
  • Picking season: Late
  • Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
  • Pollination group: 2

Golden Russet is usually considered to have the best flavor of all American russet apples. As well as great flavors, Golden Russet also stores well.

It is an exceptionally versatile apple and was grown in New England on a commercial basis in the 19th century. Today it retains a keen following, particularly for the excellent quality of its juice, which can be used both for cider and hard-cider production.

So if you are looking for a great all-round apple, Golden Russet should be on your shortlist.

Golden Russet apple trees for sale

Our inventory is up to date, you can pre-order now for the spring 2024 planting season.

  • 1Dwarf 1-year bare-root tree $37.95
    Mature height: 6ft-9ft after 10 years
    Dwarf rootstock
    Out of stock
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  • 2Semi-dwarf 1-year bare-root tree $37.95
    Mature height: 8ft-12ft after 10 years
    G.935, G.969 rootstock

How to grow

Golden Russet produces a moderately vigorous tree, which produces regularly, and is resistant to scab - but somewhat susceptible to cedar apple rust.

The main feature of Golden Russet is that it is a tip-bearer, with the apples borne on the ends of shoots rather than spurs. Therefore keep winter pruning to a minimum.

 

Advice on fruit tree pollination.

History

Golden Russet has been around since the mid-19th century, and is widely-grown in the eastern states, and probably exists in different forms.

Golden Russet characteristics

  • Gardening skillAverage
  • Self-fertilityNot self-fertile
  • Pollination group2
  • Pollinating othersAverage
  • Picking seasonLate
  • UsesEating freshCulinaryJuiceHard cider
  • Keeping (of fruit)3 months or more
  • General resistanceAverage
  • ScabSome resistance
  • Cedar apple rustSome susceptibility
  • Cold hardiness (USDA)Zone 4 (-34C)
  • Summer maximum temperaturesCool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)
  • Country of originUnited States
  • Period of origin1800 - 1849
  • Fruit colorRusset

Similar varieties

  • See also Ashmead's Kernel
    Ashmead's Kernel
    A versatile English 17th century russet apple, Ashmead's Kernel is noted for its distinctive pear-like flavor.
  • See also Egremont Russet
    Egremont Russet
    Egremont Russet is the most popular English russet variety, and a good apple tree for the garden.
  • See also Pine Golden Pippin
    Pine Golden Pippin
    A classic English russet apple from the Victorian era, notable for its pineapple-like flavor.
  • See also Roxbury Russet
    Roxbury Russet
    Roxbury Russet is probably the oldest apple variety originating from North America.
  • See also Saint Edmund's Russet
    Saint Edmund's Russet
    Not as well known as other russets, St. Edmund's Russet is nevertheless one of the best.