Sweetcrisp is a fast grower. But I've had some of the same issues. I blame it on a poor mix or pH issues. Get those right and it will grow rapidly. If the top grows rapidly the roots should do the same.

Now if your conditions were such that there was die back of the top there could have been die back of the roots.

OK, we'll see what happens this year. The mix is fresh 4-2-1 pine bark, peat, and perlite. My other 5 bushes seem to love it, but the Sweetcrisp had demanded a bit more attention :-) We're supposed to have real springtime temps soon, so in a couple of weeks I'll know exactly how much die-back there has been. Thanks.

ed:

No question Sweetcrisp is harder to grow than most. The bush is nearly impossible to train. I've become happy just to get lots of growth, tip branches some, and support the lanky canes as much as needed. You need to experience the fruit at least once. I think you'll find it worth the effort, hope so anyway.

This post was edited by fruitnut on Wed, May 7, 14 at 11:26