This tree is round, spreading, precocious, and productive. It is self-fertile, but cropping will be improved if a pollinizer is present. It is susceptible to all major apple diseases, and should be pruned regularly to maintain annual production. Golden Delicious is also subject to necrotic leaf blotch, which can be ameliorated with a zinc-containing fungicide. It is a good pollinizer, but it is incompatible with Braeburn, Fuji, Jonagold, and Gala.

Ripening mid-season, this apple is crisp and juicy with a honeyed and spicy flavor. A properly tree-ripened Golden Delicious tends to be far superior to one sold in supermarkets, as this variety is often harvested prematurely to improve commercial viability. Golden Delicious is an outstanding dessert apple that also bakes and stores well. 

This tree began its life as a chance seedling found on the farm Anderson Mullins in West Virginia in 1912. It was promoted by Stark Brothers, who began selling the trees in 1916. Since then, Golden Delicious has enjoyed over 100 years of popularity. In 1995, it was named the state apple of West Virginia, and in 2013, it was even commemorated on a stamp issued by the USPS! Golden Delicious has been used as a breeding parent for many other popular varieties, including Gala, Pink Lady, Elstar, Mutsu, and Ginger Gold.