Apple 'McIntosh'
7-Gallon, Semi-Dwarf
Height: 12-15 feet tall.
Spread: 10-12 feet.
Sunlight: Full sun.
Hardiness Zone: 4a.
Other Names: Malus domestica 'McIntosh'
Description: A classic apple variety known for its bright red skin, crisp texture, and distinctive sweet-tart flavor. 'McIntosh' apples are highly aromatic and soften as they ripen, making them perfect for fresh eating, applesauce, and baking. This cold-hardy variety thrives in northern climates and produces reliable yields with minimal maintenance.
Edible Qualities: Apple 'McIntosh' is prized for its juicy, tender flesh and rich, tangy sweetness. It becomes softer and more aromatic as it ripens, making it a favorite for fresh snacking and cooking.
The fruit is most often used in the following ways: - Fresh Eating
- Applesauce
- Baking
- Cider Making
Features & Attributes: Apple 'McIntosh' showcases lush green foliage in summer, turning shades of yellow and orange in the fall. The tree blooms with fragrant white and pink blossoms in spring, attracting bees and other pollinators. Its fruit develops a signature deep red blush over a green background, ripening in early to mid-fall.
This is a deciduous tree with a naturally spreading and rounded growth habit. Its consistent yields and adaptability make it a great choice for home orchards. While somewhat susceptible to disease, proper pruning and air circulation help maintain tree health.
Aside from its primary use as an edible, Apple 'McIntosh' is suitable for the following landscape applications: - Orchard/Edible Landscaping
- Home Gardens
Planting & Growing: Apple 'McIntosh' will grow to be about 12-15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10-12 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3-4 feet from the ground. It grows at a medium rate and, under ideal conditions, can be expected to live for 50 years or more.
This tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It requires cross-pollination with another apple variety for optimal fruit production. It is cold-hardy and performs well in northern climates. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and promotes air circulation to reduce disease risk. A layer of mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Additional Characteristics: - Cold Hardy
- Early Season Harvest
- Pollination Required
- Fragrant Blossoms
- Classic Apple Flavor