PLANT PROFILE:
Honeycrisp Apple

by Paul Schwabe

Honeycrisp Apple

Malus x domestica ‘Honeycrisp’

Description & Overview

Honeycrisp apple was developed by Dr. David Bedford at the University of Minnesota in 1960. After numerous trials it was released to the public in 1991. Honeycrisp was aptly named for its sweet and extremely juicy fruit that is often described as “explosively crisp”. This variety stays crisp for a very long time in cold storage and is known for its excellent keeping qualities. A premium quality apple for fresh use.

Core Characteristics

Wisconsin Native: No

USDA Hardiness Zone: to zone 4

Mature Height: 15′

Mature Spread: 15′

Growth Rate: Slow

Growth Form: Tree

Light Requirements: Full Sun

Site Requirements: Well-drained site

Flower: White

Bloom Period: Early-mid May

Foliage: Green. Often shows yellow leaf margins during the heat of the summer on new growth.

Fall Color: Yellow

Urban Approved: No

Fruit Notes: Very large, striped or mottled fruits that ripens somewhat unevenly mid-late September.

Suggested Uses:

We offer this variety on M7 rootstock which is semi-dwarf and free-standing.

honeycrisp apple malus domestica fruit tree milwaukee wisconsin

Fruits maturing progression pictures taken late June.

Wildlife Value:

Apple trees are relished by deer, numerous small mammals, and insects.

Maintenance Tips:

Annual pruning needed to promote better light penetration and air flow thru canopy for best colored and flavored fruits. Find more information on Training & Pruning Fruit Trees.

Left: Honeycrisp espalier apple tree | Middle: Greening | Right: Ripe

Pests/Problems:

This variety is very resistant to apple scab. Honeycrisp has very low vigor, is somewhat biennial bearing and is slow to start bearing fruit. All of these reasons are why a premium price is charged for this apple at orchards and supermarkets. Despite these issues, it remains the most requested apple variety in the Midwest by apple consumers due to its wonderful flavor and explosively crisp flesh. It now sets a new standard for all eating apples.

Best fruit quality is obtained by growing in areas with cool climates. Although it performs well in the upper Midwest, New England area and anywhere where McIntosh Apple can be successfully grown, growers in the south and west coast find that it often colors poorly in their warmer growing season.

Find a spraying guide and more information on Best Pesticides For The Home Orchardist.

Leaf Lore:

Designated the “Official State Fruit of Minnesota” in 2006 by the state of Minnesota.

Companion Plants:

Honeycrisp Apple must be cross-pollinated with a crabapple or different apple variety to produce fruit.

honeycrisp apple malus domestica benchcard

HONEYCRISP APPLE BENCHCARD

Public Inventory

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PLANT PROFILE:Honeycrisp Apple