"Honeycrisp" apples were first developed in 1960 by breeding a cross of "Macoun" and "Honeygold" apples. The apples do well in milder climates, producing consistently high-quality fruit. Like all fruit-producing trees, the "Honeycrisp" has specific care needs to keep the tree healthy and producing season after season.
All varieties of apple trees require full sun to produce a high-quality fruit. "Honeycrisp" trees are no exception. The trees should be planted in a location that receives full sun, especially in the morning. Morning light helps dry the dew from leaves, which can help reduce the spread of diseases. "Honeycrisp" trees should also have enough room between them and other trees so air can circulate freely around each tree. If your "Honeycrisp" is not in full sun, consider transplanting it for best results.
Soil and Fertilizer
Most apple trees, including the "Honeycrisp," thrive in soil that's made up of a combination of sand and clay. Sandy and clay soils often have a soil pH of around 6.5, which is the preferred growing condition for most apple trees. As with all plants, it's also critical that the soil have proper drainage so water does not rot the root structure of the tree. Make sure the soil around your "Honeycrisp" does not become waterlogged by installing drainage pits or pipes to carry away excess water. Apply fertilizer every spring at a rate of 1/2 pound per year that the tree has been alive.
"Honeycrisp" apple trees require regular, deep watering to maintain healthy roots, leaves and fruit. When watering an apple tree, it's important to saturate the roots. Leave the water running around the base of the tree long enough for the water to penetrate to a depth of about 7 inches. The length of time it takes to achieve this depth depends on the type and consistency of your soil. As a rule of thumb, leave the water running for 10 minutes per inch of penetration. Watering in the morning or late afternoon will help reduce evaporation and use less water.
Each year, it's important to prune your "Honeycrisp" tree to maintain proper growth and fruit production. Begin by inspecting the branches all over the tree. If your tree is less than 3 years old, remove the stem tips to encourage branching. This can also cut down on the amount of pruning required later on. On mature trees, remove whole branches at the trunk if the interior of the tree is becoming so thick that air can't circulate properly. Thinning a tree by removing branches is also appropriate if branches are diseased or dead. In any case, never remove more than one-third of the branches at a time, or you risk killing the tree.
- Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images