Are you a fan of crisp and sweet apples? Look no further than the Honeycrisp apple tree! Developed by the University of Minnesota, this prizewinning variety is known for its crisp texture, coarse consistency, and light, juicy taste. In addition to being a favorite for snacking and baking, Honeycrisp apples have a prolonged mid-season harvest and can be successfully grown in zones 4-9. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the many features and benefits of planting your Honeycrisp apple tree.
Honeycrisp apples are a result of some robust lineage. DNA testing reveals that the parentage of this variety includes Keepsake, Golden Delicious, and heirloom Duchess of Oldenburg apples. Unsurprisingly, this variety is one of the most successful in colder climates. In fact, it’s the state fruit of Minnesota, where it was developed!
One of the fantastic benefits of Honeycrisp apples is their long hang time on the tree. Unlike some other varieties, Honeycrisp apples can stay on the tree for a more extended period, meaning a prolonged harvest season. What’s more, the quality of the fruit just gets better as it matures, so you don’t need to worry about picking it right away. These round, yellow fruits are dappled with red as they ripen, making them a delicious and stunning addition to any harvest basket.
To ensure the best fruit set from your Honeycrisp apple tree, plant it with a recommended pollinator partner. Some great options include Centennial or Chestnut Crabapples, or a Cortland, Cox’s Orange Pippin, Crimson Crisp, Cripps Pink or Red, Empire, Freedom, Frostbite, Fuji, Gala, Ginger Gold, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Haralson, Jonathan, SnowSweet, SunCrisp, Sweet Sixteen, or Wealthy.
Honeycrisp apples are an excellent option if you’re looking for a tree that bears fruit at a young age. And, once harvested, the fruit has an outstanding storage life, making this variety a good choice if you want apples throughout the winter months. However, it’s important to note that Honeycrisp apples require a high chill of 700-1000 hours, so make sure they are planted in an area that provides the necessary conditions.
Honeycrisp apple trees are an excellent addition to any orchard or garden. With their crisp and sweet taste, prolonged harvest season, and adaptability to various climates, it’s no wonder they’ve become a favorite among apple lovers. Don’t forget to plant them with a recommended pollinator partner and in an area with enough chill hours. With a little care and patience, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest of Honeycrisp apples on their own or in all your favorite recipes.