I just purchased a bare root Dorsett and an Anna which you need for cross pollination. My instructions say don't fertilize till you get new growth started and just use a balanced all purpose fertilizer. I keep some 10 10 10 around so Thats what I will use. University of Fla seems to agree.

Here is a link that might be useful: U of F Apple info.

Thanks for the info. The tag on the Dorsett said no need for pollination, the tag on the Anna (right next to the Dorsett at the nursery) said you need to have a Dosett for its pollination. Huh?

Based on my personal experience growing them together:

Their bloom times overlap, but Dorsett Golden blooms earlier. The last Dorsett Golden blooms are open at the same time as the first Anna blooms.

Dorsett Golden will set fruit without another apple variety for pollination.

Anna will set some fruit without Dorsett Golden for pollination, but seems to set more fruit with Dorsett Golden nearby.

YMMV, but this is my experience.

Thanx to all. There's room in the yard and the Annas are still on sale. Think I'll get the Dorsett a buddy.

I think you'll be happy that you did.

Anna ripens a bit later than Dorsett Golden, though their seasons overlap. So the Anna will extend your apple season a little.

I like the flavor of the Anna better, but then I like a sweet-tart apple. Anna holds its shape when cooked, too. So, it makes a good apple pie or cobbler. (It is not as tart as a Granny Smith, though - you may want to cut the sugar back a bit.)

If you like a sweet apple for fresh eating, you will probably prefer the Dorsett Golden. It is sweet enough that it makes a nice applesauce with little or no sugar needed.