Honey Crisp Apple

Malus domestica ‘Honeycrisp’

Honeycrisp Apple is a cold-hardy, high-yielding apple tree prized for its crisp texture, sweet-tart flavor, and long storage life. It thrives in prairie climates (Zone 3-6) and is well-suited for Southwest Saskatchewan. This variety requires cross-pollination, so it needs another apple tree nearby for fruit production.

Planting & Location

• Hardiness Zone: 3-6 (very cold-hardy)
• Mature Size:
  • Standard: 15-20 feet tall, 12-15 feet wide
  • Semi-Dwarf: 12-15 feet tall, 10-12 feet wide
  • Dwarf: 8-10 feet tall, 6-8 feet wide
• Growth Rate: Moderate (12-24 inches per year)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight per day)
• Soil Preference:
  • Prefers well-drained, loamy soil with good fertility.
  • Tolerates sandy and clay soils if drainage is good.
  • Performs best in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0).
• Spacing:
  • Standard Trees: 15-20 feet apart
  • Semi-Dwarf: 12-15 feet apart
  • Dwarf: 6-8 feet apart

Pollination & Fruit Production

• Honeycrisp is NOT self-pollinating—it requires another apple variety nearby for cross-pollination.
• Best Pollinators:
  • Goodland Apple
  • Norkent Apple
  • Haralson Apple
  • Sweet Sixteen Apple
  • Any Prairie Hardy Crabapple
• Bloom Time: Mid-spring
• Harvest Time: Late September to early October
• Fruit Storage: Stores 4-6 months in a cool location.

Watering

• Young Trees (First 2-3 Years): Deep water once per week to establish roots.
• Established Trees: Water every 2-3 weeks in dry conditions.
• Avoid Overwatering: Apples do not like soggy roots—ensure well-draining soil.

Fertilizing

• First Year: No fertilizer needed—focus on root establishment.
• Mature Trees:
  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring before bud break.
  • Organic alternative: Compost or well-rotted manure applied in spring.
  • Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages leafy growth over fruiting.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring (before buds break).
• How to Prune:
  • Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
  • Maintain an open center or modified central leader shape for airflow and sunlight penetration.
  • Thin out crowded branches to improve fruit quality.

Pest & Disease Management

Common Pests:

• Apple Maggot – Larvae burrow inside fruit.
  • Solution: Use sticky traps and clean up fallen fruit.
• Codling Moth – Larvae tunnel into apples.
  • Solution: Use pheromone traps and remove affected fruit.
• Aphids – Cause curled leaves and sticky honeydew.
  • Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or encourage ladybugs.

Common Diseases:

• Fire Blight – Causes blackened, scorched-looking branches.
  • Solution: Prune infected branches 8-12 inches below infection and sanitize tools.
• Apple Scab – Causes dark, scabby lesions on fruit and leaves.
  • Solution: Choose resistant varieties and apply fungicide if needed.
• Powdery Mildew – White fungal growth on leaves.
  • Solution: Improve air circulation and apply sulfur-based fungicides.

Winter Protection

• Young Trees: Wrap trunks with tree guards or white tree wrap in late fall to prevent sunscald and rodent damage.
• Mulching: Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base (not touching the trunk) to insulate roots.
• Rodent & Deer Protection: Use tree guards or fencing to prevent bark damage.

Landscape Uses

Ideal for home orchards and backyard fruit production
Cold-hardy and productive in prairie climates
Sweet, crisp apples with long storage life
Beautiful spring blossoms attract pollinators
Great for fresh eating, baking, and cider

Additional Notes:

• Honeycrisp apples develop their best flavor in cold climates, making them ideal for Saskatchewan growers.
• Lifespan: 30-50 years with proper care.
• Works well as a standalone tree, in orchard rows, or espaliered along fences.

Photo courtesy of Jeffries Nurseries