Honeygold Apple

History: Honeygold apples were developed by the University of Minnesota and introduced in 1970. It is one of nearly 30 varieties that have been developed by the university's breeding program since it began in 1888. This apple is a cross between Golden Delicious and Haralson, designed to combine the taste of the former with the cold hardiness of the latter. Honeygold is also famous for being mistakenly identified as one of the parents of Honeycrisp, although that has since been rectified.

Why We Grow It: With the sweet taste and appealing look of Golden Delicious but the cold hardiness of Haralson, this is an excellent apple for anyone living in colder hardiness zones. It is great for fresh eating as well as making pies and applesauce. The tree is also somewhat scab resistant.

Canadian Hardiness Zone: 3b

Soil Preference: Sandy loam, loam, clay loam. Prefers average to moist conditions, avoid planting anywhere that floods for more than two weeks in the spring. Generally quite adaptable to different soil conditions. 

Growth Habits and Disease Resistance: Moderately vigorous and very hardy, has good crops. Slightly susceptible to cedar rust and susceptible to mildew and fireblight but somewhat resistant to scab.

Sun/Shade: Full sun (approx. 8-10 hours of sun daily)

Pollination: Requires a pollinator of a different apple variety that blooms around the same time

Flowering Time: Middle

Ripens: Late October

Storage: Keeps until January when stored in cold storage

Recommended Use: Fresh eating, cooking, cider

Size including roots:

• 1 year grade 100-200 cm whip
• 2 year grade 100 cm+ with 3 or more branches, 30 cm or more
• B grade less than 100 cm

*Information based on Claude Jolicouer's The New Cidermaker's Handbook