Description

A modern apple in high demand. Outstanding fresh-eating qualities make this variety an American favorite. Fruit is aromatic and sweet as honey with an explosively juicy, crisp texture. Grow this naturally compact tree even in small spaces.

Originating from Excelsior, Minnesota in 1974, the Honeycrisp apple tree is cold-hardy and thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8. The dwarf variety typically reaches a height of 8-10 feet, making it ideal for smaller gardens or urban landscapes. Ripens in early September. Pollinator required.

The Honeycrisp apple is famous for its unique combination of sweetness and crispness, making it perfect for fresh eating. Beyond enjoying them straight from the tree, Honeycrisp apples are also great for baking, adding a delightful crisp sweetness to pies, and even making homemade cider. The fruit can be stored for up to six months under refrigeration, retaining its crisp texture and flavor.

Honeycrisp Apple Tree Pollination

What are the best pollinators for a Honeycrisp apple tree? Cross-pollination is essential for high yields and healthy fruit production. Explore our list of the best pollinators: Honeycrisp Apple Tree Pollinators ›

Harvest and Care

These are fast-growing fruit trees that should begin producing a crop in two to three years after planting. Harvest your Honeycrisp apples in early September when they reach peak ripeness. For best results, plant in loamy, sandy, well-drained soil and ensure the tree receives full sun throughout the day. Read more about how to grow apple trees ›

You might also be interested in our Honeycrisp Crosses apple tree varieties. Apples that taste as good as their parent.

Calcium improves fruit quality and is especially helpful in growing Honeycrisp apple trees.

Survival Guaranteed!

Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will send you a free one-time replacement, with a nominal shipping fee of $9.99. If the item in question is not available, we can issue a one-time credit to your account equaling the original product purchase price or issue you a refund. Read more about our warranty policy.

Characteristics

Bloom Color White
Bloom Time Mid - Late
Chill Hours 800 - 1000
Fruit Color Red
Fruit Size Large
Hardiness Zone Range 3 - 8
Pollination Pollinator Required
Ripens/Harvest Early September
Shade/Sun Full Sun
Soil Composition Loamy
Soil Moisture Well Drained
Soil pH Level 6.0 - 7.0
Taste Sweet
Texture Crisp, Juicy
Years to Bear 2 - 5

Size & Spacing

Mature Size

The mature size of this variety depends on the version you choose to plant:
Semi-Dwarf 12 - 15' tall x 12 - 15' wide
Dwarf 8 - 10' tall x 8 - 10' wide

Recommended Spacing

The space needed for this variety to grow depends on the size you plant:
Semi-Dwarf 12 - 15'
Dwarf 8 - 10'

Zone Compatibility

This Variety's Zone Range 3 - 8
My Hardiness Zone ?
The USDA hardiness zones offer a guide to varieties that will grow well in certain climates. Each zone corresponds to the minimum winter temperatures experienced in a given area. Make sure that your hardiness zone lies within the zone compatibility range of this variety before ordering.

Tools & Supplies

Having the proper tools and supplies when growing your own can make the difference between a good harvest and a great harvest! Here's a list that our experts recommend for this variety.

Planting & Care

Learn all about how to grow apple trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.

Shipping Information

Arrives when it's time to plant

Your success is our priority. We work hard to make sure that your order arrives at the ideal time for planting in your location based on your local climate conditions.

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Questions & Answers

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413 Questions
Why did you choose this?

This is the second apple tree that I have purchased form Starkbros, the first one has been in the ground for a year and is growing beautifully! I needed a second apple tree to pollinate the first…

We have been planting Stark brother's fruit trees for 110 years. Always a great success with them!

To replace the one that never grew

We like these apples and they are a pollinator for the Pink Lady tree we got as well.

My hardiness zone is 7A. Honey crisps are recommended in zones 3-6. What will happen if I plant honey crisps anyway?

I have Honey Crisp planted in zone 9A. It is in its 3rd year and doing very well. I do have it planted in the noon shadow of a 100' tall sweet gum. It gets full sun for daybreak to 10:30ish and then from 3:00ish to dark

Can you tell me which rootstock you use for the semidwarf honey crisp apple trees?

I think the root stock used is very important. In my search, I found root-stocks are not all the same; some more hardier than others. I'm hoping the trees we purchase DO have hardy root-stocks!

When does this tree bloom, and when does it produce fruit?

Honeycrisp blooms in the early season for apples, starting about 2-5 years after planting. The fruit ripens around September.

which apples are compatible with honeycrisp apples for zone 3b?

Try KinderKrisp, Wolf River, or Yellow Transparent. Even edible crabapples like Chestnut or Whitney will work.

Does the Honey Crisp dwarf apple produce fruit EVERY year ?

Most Apple trees will bear every other year unless you thin them by culling immature apples until there are only one or two per cluster. If you do that the remaining apples will be larger and the tree will bear every year. The University of Minnesota Extension website is an excellent resource for additional information.

I'm in zone 7A. Apple tree I'm looking at is in zone 3-6 what would be the problem planting it in zone 7A we're actually warmer?

Warm is generally not good for apple trees; they need a certain amount of time below a certain temperature to go dormant and complete the fruiting cycle. We have just introduced 4 new Honeycrisp crosses that can all be successfully grown in the warmer climates of Zones 5-7. You may want to read about them: Stark® Scarlet Crush™, Stark® Ruby Darling™, Stark® Hart's Fancy™ and Stark® Red Romance™.

Why won't a Honey Crisp Apple grow and do well in zone 8B?

Thank you for your question. The reason is "chill hours." Many fruit varieties require a certain number of hours in a certain range of temperatures in order to go dormant, and then start their production cycle all over again. Honeycrisp™'s estimated chill hours are 800-1,000 hours below 45°F. If your zone doesn't reliably have those kind of temperatures, your tree will not produce fruit.

After the tree has been in the ground for a year. Does it need fertilized?

Yes Best results with a fertilizer for fruit trees.

Will the honeycrisp apple tree bear fruit in a shady area?

Planting guidelines for non-dwarf honey crisp trees dictate a 10-15 (8 minimum) foot radius from the center of the tree needs to be clear of other trees. Ground cover plants that won't compete for resources are just fine.
Full sun is needed for proper development of almost all fruit plants, if you live in a very hot area then partial shade is OK but the plant needs direct sun for at least 5-6 hours a day. If you can't do that either get artificial lights or you may just end up with a nice looking but barren tree.

can I split a 4" pvc pipe and place around my tree trunks and remove it when the trees are more mature? I plan on placing the halves together with hose clamps for easy removal later.

A 6 inch perforated drain tile works well and keeps the deer off. the tree will expand the tile as necessary

Customer Reviews

612 Ratings
4.0out of 5 stars
612 Ratings

Rated 5 stars by 56% of reviewers

Rated 4 stars by 15% of reviewers

Rated 3 stars by 12% of reviewers

Rated 2 stars by 5% of reviewers

Rated 1 star by 11% of reviewers

1-10 of 612 Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 27, 2025
I received a nice healthy tree that is growing well in our neck of the woods.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 26, 2025
Thank you for providing such good trees. They are doing well and we look forward to enjoying their fruit once they mature.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 22, 2025
Healthy tree. It leafed and branched out nicely. Even had a few blooms.
Excellent packaging. Healthy tree. It leafed and branched out nicely. Even had a few blooms. I paired this with a Golden Delicious that stayed dormant longer this first season (it had some blooms later). Looking forward to the fruit.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 20, 2025
Growing well
Even though this was a bare root tree shipped in the mail, it took hold and sprouted rapidly after planting. It seems to be doing well.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 20, 2025
Very happy. Tree stayed in box for too long and it is still growing great.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 19, 2025
Happy Customer
My tree arrived well packaged and in very good shape. After planting and in the ground for about 2 wks leaf buds started emerging, I have purchased many fruit trees from this company and I am never disappointed. Great communication and offers too,
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 19, 2025
Awesome apple tree
Awesome tree and can't wait until I get some apples on it.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 19, 2025
Honeycrisp Apple zone 7
Honeycrisp apples are some of my favorites. I am very excited that I live in its growing zone. The apple tree already has leaves and new growth. I soak the roots for 4 to 5 hours and then planted it.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 19, 2025
Apple trees
My trees are living good and growing. When they arrived they looked good and were packaged well.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 18, 2025
Great Start
So far, so good. It is in its first season, but is very healthy and growing. Arrived taller than I thought it would.