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Honeycrisp Apple

Malus domestica 'Honeycrisp'

The apple that revolutionized the industry with its explosive crunch and perfect sweet-tart balance. Developed at the University of Minnesota, Honeycrisp produces large, juicy apples with cells that burst with flavor when bitten. This cold-hardy variety stores exceptionally well and consistently ranks as America's favorite apple for fresh eating.

Harvest

120-150d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

4–9

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

15-30 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Transplant

Harvest

Transplant

Harvest

Showing dates for Honeycrisp Apple in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Honeycrisp Apple · Zones 4–9

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing8-10 feet (dwarf), 15-20 feet (standard)

SoilWell-drained loamy soil with good organic content

pH6.0-7.0

Water1-2 inches per week, deep watering preferred

SeasonSpring bloom, fall harvest

FlavorExplosively crisp with balanced sweet-tart flavor and honey notes

ColorRed and yellow striped with yellow-green background

Size3-4 inches diameter, 8-12 oz

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 4	—	June – July	—	September – September
Zone 5	—	May – July	—	August – October
Zone 6	—	May – July	—	August – October
Zone 7	—	May – June	—	July – October
Zone 8	—	April – June	—	July – November
Zone 9	—	March – May	—	June – December

Complete Growing Guide

Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 15 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 24-60 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: CrimsonCrisp®, 'Empire', 'Fuji', 'Gala', 'Ginger Gold', 'Golden Delicious', 'Jonagold', 'Mutsu', 'Red Delicious', 'Rome', 'Stayman'. Propagation: Grafting, Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Large, round, firm fruits that often have a waxy coating. Some varieties ripen late summer and some in the fall.

Color: Gold/Yellow, Green, Red/Burgundy. Type: Pome. Length: > 3 inches. Width: > 3 inches.

Garden value: Edible

Harvest time: Fall, Summer

Bloom time: Spring

Edibility: Fruits can be eaten raw and cooked in a variety of dishes.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh Honeycrisp apples store exceptionally well when kept at 32-35°F with 90-95% humidity – conditions found in most refrigerator crisper drawers. They'll maintain quality for 3-4 months under proper storage, far longer than most apple varieties. Avoid storing at room temperature for more than a week, as the cellular structure breaks down quickly in warm conditions.

For preservation, Honeycrisp freezes beautifully when sliced and treated with lemon juice to prevent browning. Their firm texture makes them excellent for dehydrating into apple chips. While they can be used for applesauce, their premium eating quality makes this somewhat wasteful – save bruised or smaller fruits for sauce-making. Consider making apple butter or canning slices in light syrup to preserve their distinctive flavor profile through winter months.

History & Origin

Origin: Central Asia to Afghanistan

Advantages

+Attracts: Pollinators, Small Mammals
+Edible: Fruits can be eaten raw and cooked in a variety of dishes.

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Chives

Repels aphids, improves tree health, and deters Japanese beetles

Nasturtiums

Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, repels woolly aphids

Marigolds

Repels nematodes, aphids, and other harmful insects while attracting beneficial predators

Comfrey

Deep roots bring nutrients to surface, leaves make excellent mulch and fertilizer

Clover

Fixes nitrogen in soil, provides ground cover, and attracts beneficial insects

Dill

Attracts beneficial insects like lacewings and parasitic wasps that control apple pests

Tansy

Repels ants, mice, and various flying insects that can damage apple trees

Lavender

Repels moths and other flying pests while attracting pollinators

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin that inhibits apple tree growth and can cause root damage

Grass Turf

Competes heavily for water and nutrients, inhibits root development

Fennel

Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of apple trees and most other plants

Nutrition Facts

Calories

25kcal(1%)

Protein

0.6g(1%)

Carbs

5.7g(2%)

Fat

0.3g(0%)

Vitamin C

22.3mg(25%)

Vitamin A

17mcg(2%)

Iron

0.07mg(0%)

Calcium

29mg(2%)

Potassium

123mg(3%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #168171)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Moderate resistance to apple scab, susceptible to fire blight and bitter pit

Common Pests

Apple maggot, codling moth, aphids, scale insects

Diseases

Fire blight, apple scab, powdery mildew, bitter pit

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Honeycrisp apple trees to produce fruit?▼

Honeycrisp trees typically begin producing fruit in their 3rd to 4th year after planting, with full production reached by year 6-8. Dwarf rootstocks may fruit slightly earlier, while standard trees take longer to establish. The variety's tendency toward heavy cropping means you'll often see substantial harvests once production begins.

Can you grow Honeycrisp apples in containers?▼

Yes, Honeycrisp can be grown in large containers (minimum 20-25 gallons) using dwarf rootstock. Choose containers with excellent drainage and plan for winter protection in zones 3-5. Container trees require more frequent watering and feeding, and you'll need to ensure proper pollination with a compatible variety nearby.

What apple varieties pollinate Honeycrisp?▼

Honeycrisp requires cross-pollination from varieties blooming at the same time. Excellent pollinators include Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, Red Delicious, and Golden Delicious. Plant pollinators within 50 feet for best results, or graft multiple varieties onto the same tree in smaller spaces.

Why are my Honeycrisp apples developing dark spots?▼

Dark spots in Honeycrisp apples typically indicate bitter pit, a calcium deficiency disorder. Prevent this by maintaining consistent soil moisture, avoiding high-nitrogen fertilizers late in season, and applying calcium chloride foliar sprays monthly from June through August. Proper soil pH (6.0-7.0) also improves calcium uptake.

When should I plant Honeycrisp apple trees?▼

Plant Honeycrisp trees in early spring after the last hard frost but while trees are still dormant, typically March to early May depending on your zone. Fall planting works in zones 5-7 but avoid it in colder regions where winter damage to newly planted trees is common.

Is Honeycrisp good for beginner apple growers?▼

Honeycrisp has moderate difficulty due to its susceptibility to fire blight and need for calcium management. However, its cold hardiness and consistent production make it manageable for beginners willing to follow proper care practices. Start with disease-resistant varieties if you're completely new to fruit growing.