I just ate the first Fall apple from my Honeycrisp tree!

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

Yum!

[Tumbulu]

1. That is my favorite variety!

Wow! How does the tree grow?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

5. It's a medium-size tree, about 18' high,

with a lot of branches. I should prune it more so the branches aren't so close together. They need cold winters to set fruit. It had a lot of blossoms this year, and a lot of apples but they're smaller than usual. I bagged some of them but the bugs got the rest. There's also a Honeygold tree next to it so they can pollinate each other, but that one didn't have a lot of apples this year.

[Blue Owl]

2. I just had a honeycrisp caramel apple!

Yum yum!!!

[Ohiogal]

3. Wow, how cool to have your very own Honeycrisp tree!

I love fall apples. I enjoy one every day.

[StClone]

8. Really, get out the shovel

If you have enough open area in your lawn for a dwarf, semi-dwarf, or full-sized trees you can plant them too. They do especially well in lawns with a sprinkler system. If you have crab apples trees around no need to worry about pollination-but having two or more trees couldn't hurt! But, as noted you need cold-ish winters, like from southern Missouri to Massachusetts north.

[brewens]

4. Those are my favorite. I had one in my oatmeal yesterday. I just chop one up and

simmer it in a little apple juice, brown sugar and cinnamon. Add to whole grain oats and a little milk and it is great.

[StClone]

6. I grow Honeycrisp too

Dwarf trees hit by late frost, 100 degree temps, drought, deer attacks after which, I got a few stunted "uglies." One year I got a bumper crop then those trees got hit by lightening. You should be so blessed as I am cursed.

So I bought three big apples for $7.56. Hmmmmm, God I love Honeycrisp (and Cortlands).

[procon]

7. My fave too.

They probably wouldn't grow well in my area
How long did it take to bear fruit?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

9. They're happiest in Zone 5 and north (I'm in Zone 4).

IIRC, it started bearing fruit the second or third year I had it, but it was pretty big when I planted it. Don't remember how old it was at the time.

[StClone]

10. If you are talking how long for the tree to mature enough to produce

For dwarf trees in 2-3 years, semi-dwarf 3-4, and full standard sized trees maybe 5-10 years. They do need at least eight hours of full sun to be productive and full sun is best all day.

[NJCher]

11. that's what I wanted to know, too

so thanks for the answer. I don't have enough sunlight, so I guess I can quit dreaming now.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

12. My trees don't get 8 hours of sunlight but they still bloom

and produce fruit. They would probably do better with more sun but they manage pretty well. I've also planted Baptisia (a legume) next to them for natural nitrogen.

[NJCher]

15. maybe I can take out a weed tree

and put one in.

I didn't know you could plant baptisia next to something and get the nitrogen that way. Interesting.

There's a drive going in the neighborhood to take out weed trees because they fall down in storms so much faster.

[Phoenix61]

13. I like Honeycrisp but Jonagold is my fave.

They are hard to get here in Florida. I don’t think they ship very well. Definitely doesn’t get cold enough here for apples.

[Bayard]

14. Our Honeycrisp is bearing fruit

But the apples are pitiful. Small, and not sweet at all. The tree next to it is a Red Delicious, that has never born fruit. These trees are pretty big now at 5 years old.

The two peach trees I planted at the same time have never produced, even though they get blossoms.

I am perplexed.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

20. Where are you?

if you're in an area where you can grow peaches it might be too warm for apples. Honeycrisp definitely needs cold winters. Or you might want to have your soil tested; it could be a nutrient problem.

[Bayard]

21. I'm in southern KY

And we get pretty cold in the winter. Usually 20's-30's, but can go below 0.

I'm wondering if I may need another pollinator, like Gala?

Peaches were both the same, but I don't remember which. Our extension office is pretty much closed now, but will see if there is still soil testing available.

Thanks, VO!

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

22. Heck, 20-30 isn't cold. Here in Minnesota that's flip-flop weather!

Honeycrisps can survive -30; although they will grow as far south as zone 7 they do best farther north (zones 5-3). Also, if your tree isn't a dwarf variety it might not be mature enough yet to produce good apples. All apples need another pollinator but the variety doesn't matter because apples don't breed true anyhow; even a crabapple tree will work. You might have nutrient issues if your peaches aren't producing either - maybe try a fruit tree fertilizer. IIRC you can add that to the soil in the fall. I wish we could grow peaches, I love them!

[safeinOhio]

16. Problems with fruit trees and gardens.

Might try your States Agriculture University Extension Service. They usually have a County Agent or office near you and help with most of your garden problems.
google your state and University Extension Service to get started.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

19. Definitely!

I'm a Master Gardener, a volunteer for the University of Minnesota's Extension Division, which has some really amazing resources. Anyone with gardening questions should check with their state's extension service and Master Gardener program.

[North Shore Chicago]

17. How wonderful, definitely a fave.

The apples in the stores do not remain as fresh post covid.

[Phentex]

18. Life's little joys!

Take em when you can get em!

[MissB]

23. My full size tree hasn't produced yet; it's right at the 4 year mark.

But the local nursery brings in grower crates of apples in the fall and sells them for .99/lb. I bought 30 lbs of honey crisp recently, tho most of them will be turned into unsweetened applesauce.