Bees Plant Hub Apple Harman 99Tropical Grafted Fruit Plant

Harmon‑99 (HRMN‑99) Apple

• A low‑chill apple variety developed by farmer Hariman Sharma from Himachal Pradesh, India. It thrives in tropical, subtropical, and plain regions with summer temperatures up to 40–45 °C, unlike traditional apples that require cold winters 

• It was formally recognized and promoted by India’s National Innovation Foundation (NIF) and registered under the Protection of Plant Varieties & Farmers' Rights Authority

 Key Characteristics

• Fruit Appearance: Medium to large apples with striped red-over-yellow skin, smooth firm flesh, and crisp, juicy taste 

• Fruit Yield: Mature trees (3–8 years) yield 5 to 75 kg per tree annually, with potential to reach around 100 kg per tree in well-established orchards 

• Growth Habit: Trees can grow up to 3.5–4.5 m (12–15 ft) tall. Begins fruiting in around 3rd year, and harvest season typically starts June, about six months after flowering 

• Disease Resistance: Tolerant to common apple diseases such as scab, making it easier to maintain in diverse environments 

 Benefits

1. Grow Anywhere

Cultivation is possible in regions down to 700 m elevation and temperatures reaching 45 °C — previously unsuitable for apples 

2. High Yield & Fast Fruiting

Early bearing and heavy yield with minimal chilling requirements make it ideal for small farms, lower hills, and backyard gardens.

3. Delicious and Nutritious

Crisp, sweet flavor with balanced tartness. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants — great for fresh eating, cooking, juicing, or jams 

4. Socioeconomic Impact

Has transformed income opportunities for many Indian farmers. Over 7 lakh saplings distributed across 29 states, and can even be grown alongside mangoes and pomegranates in the same orchard 

 Cultivation Guide

• Climatic Suitability: Warm tropical to subtropical climates without needing prolonged cold periods. Fruiting possible at elevations around 700 m and up.

• Soil: Well-drained, rich loamy soil; regular organic compost and irrigation improve productivity.

• Care: Minimal maintenance. Requires pruning post-harvest, balanced fertilization, intermittent watering. Does not require frost protection but regular canopy management helps yield.

• Shelf Life: Shorter than commercial cultivars (~10–12 days at room temp), though efforts are ongoing to improve storage longevity