Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Honeycrisp apples are notorious for problems like bitter bit that are related to calcium deficiencies.
But! Lack of Calcium is rarely the real problem: it’s actually excessive Potassium.
Varieties like Honeycrisp have a “clearly visible predisposition to hyper-accumulate potassium.” Potassium antagonizes calcium in plant tissue, and prevents it from moving into the fruit, even when the tree has ample calcium levels.
3 things to try in your problematic Honeycrisps:
1️⃣ Use sap analysis to understand your potassium levels
2️⃣ Stop soil applications of potassium, and be very careful with foliars
3️⃣ Provide a generous supply of Manganese, which acts as a potassium thermostat. (Rebound Manganese is an excellent source: loom.ly/W4RRX8c )
Want to read John Kempf’s Article that Steven mentioned? Check it out in American Fruit Grower: loom.ly/arRWX4k
Honeycrisp apples are notorious for problems like bitter bit that are related to calcium deficiencies.
But! Lack of Calcium is rarely the real problem: it’s actually excessive Potassium.
Varieties like Honeycrisp have a “clearly visible predisposition to hyper-accumulate potassium.” Potassium antagonizes calcium in plant tissue, and prevents it from moving into the fruit, even when the tree has ample calcium levels.
3 things to try in your problematic Honeycrisps:
1️⃣ Use sap analysis to understand your potassium levels
2️⃣ Stop soil applications of potassium, and be very careful with foliars
3️⃣ Provide a generous supply of Manganese, which acts as a potassium thermostat. (Rebound Manganese is an excellent source: loom.ly/W4RRX8c )
Want to read John Kempf’s Article that Steven mentioned? Check it out in American Fruit Grower: loom.ly/arRWX4k
