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To grow Honeycrisp apple trees, start by selecting a suitable location with well-draining soil and full sun exposure. Plant the tree in early spring, ensuring that the graft union is above the soil line. Water the tree regularly, providing about 1 inch of water per week. Apply a balanced fertilizer twice a year, in early spring and mid-summer. Prune the tree in late winter to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. Protect the tree from pests and diseases by monitoring and applying appropriate treatments. Harvest the apples when they are firm and fully colored.
Honeycrisp apples, known for their crispness and sweetness, are a delightful addition to any home orchard. These apple trees thrive in cooler climates and are relatively easy to grow. By providing proper care, you can enjoy a plentiful harvest of Honeycrisp apples.
Introduction to Honeycrisp Apple Trees
Honeycrisp apple trees come in dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties and can be planted in your backyard to yield fresh apples in late summer. Bareroot Honeycrisp trees should be planted in the spring, while container-grown or balled and burlap-wrapped trees can be planted in either spring or fall.
These apple trees are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 7. Dwarf trees are suitable for limited spaces, as they only grow to a height and width of 10 feet. Semi-dwarf Honeycrisp trees reach a height and width of 15 feet. Honeycrisp trees typically start producing apples with dappled red skin and mild, sweet, off-white flesh when they are two to five years old, and the apples are about 3 inches tall.
Pollination for Honeycrisp Apple Trees
For a more abundant crop, it is recommended to plant another apple tree variety alongside Honeycrisp trees. Although Honeycrisp trees can produce some fruit on their own, having a pollinator nearby enhances their productivity. ‘Campbell Spur’ red delicious or ‘Griffith’ golden delicious are both effective pollinators for Honeycrisp. These pollinators are available in dwarf or semi-dwarf sizes, just like Honeycrisp.
Optimal Sunlight, Soil, and Spacing
Honeycrisp trees thrive in well-draining soil with a pH level ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 and require full sun exposure. While they prefer loamy soil, they can still grow in sandy loam and light clay as long as the soil drains quickly. Plant dwarf trees 10 feet apart and semi-dwarf trees 15 feet apart. It is advisable to plant pollinator trees within 50 feet of Honeycrisp trees.
Watering Newly Planted Honeycrisp Trees
During the first three months after planting, water Honeycrisp trees regularly to keep the rootball lightly moist. It is recommended to apply water directly above the rootball. Cover the soil above the root zone with 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch. Remove any weeds or grass that grow within 1 foot of the trunk.
Avoid placing mulch directly against the tree trunks. Instead, keep a distance of about 4 to 6 inches. Wet mulch in contact with the trunk can promote the development of diseases.
Watering Established Trees
Once the first few months have passed, water Honeycrisp trees when the top 3 to 4 inches of soil becomes dry. Use a soil probe, such as a thin metal rod measuring 1/4 to 3/8 inches in width, to check for moisture. Water the area starting from 6 inches away from the trunk and extend it beyond the “drip line” or outer edge of the branches. Water the soil until it is moist to a depth of 1 1/2 feet in the first two years. In the third year, increase the watering depth to 2 1/2 feet, and maintain a depth of 3 feet from the fourth year onward.
Fertilizer Requirements for Honeycrisp Trees
To properly fertilize your apple trees, it is recommended to conduct a soil test. However, in the absence of a soil test, you can apply the following amounts of fertilizer to Honeycrisp trees:
- If the trees were planted in the spring and are growing vigorously, apply 1/2 cup of 20-5-10, 1 cup of 10-6-4, or 2 cups of 5-10-10 fertilizer. Spread it in a 2-foot-wide circle around the tree, a few inches away from the trunk.
- If the trees were planted in the fall, wait until the following spring to begin fertilizing them.
When the ground thaws, apply the following amounts of fertilizer around the trees beneath the drip line:
- For the first year, sprinkle 1/4 pound of 20-5-10, 1/2 pound of 10-6-4, or 1 pound of 5-10-10 fertilizer.
- In the second year, double the amount of fertilizer applied.
- From the third year onwards, increase the amount of fertilizer by half each year. For example, in the spring of the third year, apply 3/4 pound of 20-5-10, 1 1/2 pounds of 10-6-4, or 3 pounds of 5-10-10 fertilizer.
If the trees are not surrounded by grass, reduce the amount of fertilizer by half. Always fertilize the trees in the spring after the ground thaws.
Tips for Growing Bigger and Better Apples
During the first two years, it is advisable to pick the spring flowers off the trees. This will prevent fruit set and allow the trees to focus their energy on growing stronger. In the spring of the third year, remove about half of the flowers to ensure the trees produce a small crop. Make sure to evenly pinch and pull off the flowers by hand from all branches to avoid overloading a few branches.
Starting from the fourth year, pick some of the apples early. This will help the remaining apples to mature and grow bigger. It is natural for apple trees to drop some apples in late spring, few weeks after they form, to reduce their burden. After this happens, remove more apples and leave only one apple per spur. The spur is the small stem where apples form.
