Key Points
- Provenance: Selected by John Gordon in Amherst, NY, from the legacy seed collection of George Slate and George Zimmerman.
- Fruit Metrics: Medium-sized fruits (100–140 g) with a characteristic yellow skin and deep golden, high-carotenoid pulp.
- Production: Highly productive; maintains the "heavy bearer" reputation of the Pennsylvania Golden series.
- Seasonality: Early-mid season ripener; matures in mid-September in northern New York, earlier in warmer zones.
- Architecture: A resilient, cold-hardy specimen ideally suited for USDA Zones 5–8 and regions with shorter growing seasons.
- Handling: Possesses a delicate structure once ripe; best for home use or immediate local consumption.
- Identification: Part of the PA-Golden series (numbers 1-4). Numerical verification is essential as varieties vary in fruit size and disease resistance.
Variety Description
Summary
PA-Golden 2 is a cornerstone selection for the cool-climate orchardist. While mid-season hybrids often struggle to reach their sugar potential in northerly latitudes, PA-Golden 2 accelerates its metabolic cycle to ensure a high-quality harvest before the heat of summer dissipated. It is particularly noted for the visual appeal of its deep golden pulp, which typically contains higher sugar levels than the earlier PA-Golden 1.
Foundations and Provenance
Derived from the massive genetic bank of George Slate, PA-Golden 2 was isolated by John Gordon for its specific adaptation to the Amherst, NY climate. It represents a refined wild-selection lineage that prioritized cold tolerance and reliable fruit set over the sheer mammoth size of southern cultivars. It is chemically stable and vigorous, forming a productive canopy within 5-7 years of planting.
Fruit Specifications: Aesthetic and Palette
Visual Profile: Unlike the pale-fleshed varieties, PA-Golden 2 produces a rich, golden-colored custard that signals its high nutrient density. Taste: It is a "sugar-bomb" variety. The flavor is heavily biased toward banana-cream, with minimal musky undertones. Texture: It possesses the classic melting mouthfeel, though graininess can occur if the tree is over-cropped or underwatered during the final swell of the fruit.
Orchard Productivity
Volume: Excellent. Like its sibling PA-Golden 1 (which can produce 120+ fruits/tree), PA-Golden 2 is built for volume. It is a reliable choice for the grower who wants a "full kitchen counter" rather than a few trophy fruits. Seasonality: Its mid-September harvest window in the North is its primary competitive advantage, allowing it to bypass the mold and rot risks associated with late-autumn rains.
Management and Limitations
The primary trade-off for its high sugar and early ripening is its shelf life. Once the "color break" occurs on the skin, the fruit must be consumed or processed rapidly. It does not possess the structural "stiffness" required for long-distance commercial freight.
Resilience
Shows robust performance across the northern tier of the United States and Canada. It is a mandatory variety for Zone 5 growers who require genetic insurance against unseasonably early frosts.
Conclusion
PA-Golden 2 is a high-performing "stabilizer" variety. It ensures that even in sub-optimal years, the orchard provides a sweet, golden, and substantial harvest. For those in northern or high-altitude regions, it is a foundational selection.
Breed Performance Summary
| Indicator | Cultivar Metric |
|---|---|
| Heritage Line | Gordon/Slate/Zimmerman Selection |
| Average Fruit Mass | Medium (≈100–140 g) |
| Yield Density | High (Consistent Heavy Cropper) |
| Flavor Profile | Sweet Banana Custard / Low Musk |
| Pulp Aesthetic | Deep Golden / Vibrant |
| Maturity window | Early-Mid (Mid-September in the North) |
| Hardiness Range | USDA Zone 5-8 Robust |
| Suitability | Home Orchards / Short-Season Insurance |