Honeycrisp apples have outstanding flavor and texture, but the tree has a long list of characteristics that make it challenging, expensive, and frustrating to grow. Because the variety is extremely prone to bitter pit, growers are applying calcium sprays season long and minimizing nitrogen fertilizer. Jason Matson at Matson Fruit Company, Selah, Washington, said his company applies calcium every ten days. It is also susceptible to diseases, including mildew, and so requires more fungicide applications than other varieties. Honeycrisp is not a vigorous tree. In the early years of a planting, growers face the challenge of pushing the trees to […]