McIntosh Apple Tree

McIntosh Apple Tree is a classic heritage apple variety treasured for its aromatic scent, tender flesh, and signature sweet-tart flavor. The McIntosh Apple (Malus domestica ‘McIntosh’) produces medium-sized fruit with smooth red-and-green skin and juicy white flesh that softens slightly as it ripens. Its bright, refreshing flavor—balanced with just the right touch of tang—makes it ideal for fresh eating, applesauce, cider, and fall baking. Known for its distinctive aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture, McIntosh remains a favorite for both traditional recipes and everyday snacking.

This cold-hardy apple tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, performing especially well in regions with high chill hours and cool summers. McIntosh is partially self-fruitful, but it produces significantly heavier crops when paired with pollinators such as Honeycrisp, Cortland, or Gala. Ripening in early to mid-fall, it offers a reliable and flavorful harvest that signals the start of apple season. Its natural vigor, spreading growth habit, and dependable production make it a trusted choice for home orchards in northern and mountain regions.

Beyond its fruit, the McIntosh Apple Tree adds seasonal beauty to edible landscapes, with fragrant white spring blossoms followed by lush foliage that often develops warm autumn tones. Long valued for its flavor, adaptability, and historical importance, McIntosh is a must-have for gardeners who appreciate a traditional apple variety with enduring charm and dependable performance.

Semi-dwarf on M111 rootstock.

• Zones: 4-9
• Chill hours: 500-800
• Bloom Time: Late (Based on typical Central Valley California weather)
• Harvest: Mid-September
• Looks: Round, bright to dark red over green, superb quality in cool climates. The apple's white flesh is sometimes tinged with red.
• Personality: Crisp, aromatic, subacid, sweet. McIntosh is a wonderful apple for dessert, cider, and cooking. The flesh and skin have a signature perfume.
• Facts of note: Early harvest and a favorite apple in New England. This apple was discovered in 1765 by John McIntosh in Dundas County, Ontario, Canada. The tree is vigorous and is known for setting heavy crops. It grows best at altitudes above 1,000 feet above sea level, at lower and warmer elevations the apple can become mealy soon after ripening. McIntosh is a good pollinator for other varieties. Begins to fruit in 2 years.
• Pollination: Partly self-fruitful, biggest crops are with Red Delicious, Gala, or Fuji to name a few.

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