Apple
Can I Grow Dorsett Golden?
Dorsett Golden is the ultimate low-chill apple — sweet, yellow, and productive even in subtropical climates. Discovered in the Bahamas, it's the essential pollination partner for Anna.
Growing Requirements
Chill Hours
100
Hardiness Zones
8-9-10
Harvest
June to July
Pollination
Needs Anna (they are the classic low-chill pair)
Results
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About Dorsett Golden
Dorsett Golden is the ultimate low-chill apple — sweet, yellow, and productive even in subtropical climates. Discovered in the Bahamas, it's the essential pollination partner for Anna.
Dorsett Golden requires 100 chill hours — the number of hours between 32°F and 45°F during winter dormancy. Without enough chill, the tree may fail to flower properly or produce poor fruit.
⚠️ Common Challenges
Bland flavor compared to high-chill varieties; bruises easily and doesn't store well.
❌ Common Misconception
Will Dorsett Golden produce more fruit in colder climates?
Not necessarily. Dorsett Golden only needs 100 chill hours. Planting in very cold zones (7 or colder) risks winter damage without improving fruit production. The ideal zones are 8-10 where the tree gets enough chill without excessive cold stress.
Other Apple Varieties
Plan Your Orchard
Log pruning, spraying, and harvests. See what you did last season. All your trees in one place.
Start Tracking Free →Chill hour data from Open-Meteo Historical Weather API. Variety information compiled from university extension services.