McIntosh Apple Tree

McIntosh Apple Tree brings the aroma and flavor of a classic northern orchard into the home garden. Its medium-size apples ripen with smooth red-and-green skin and juicy white flesh that begins crisp, then becomes tender and melting as the fruit matures. The unmistakable flavor is fragrant, sweet, and brightly tart—excellent straight from the tree and especially beloved in applesauce, cider, and fall baking, where the flesh cooks down readily. Spring blossoms and a spreading canopy add traditional orchard beauty before the fruit colors in early autumn. Gardeners who prefer character and perfume over a hard supermarket-style crunch will understand why McIntosh has remained a favorite for generations. In cool-summer and cold-winter regions, it is a rewarding heritage apple with a welcoming balance of nostalgia, kitchen versatility, and fresh-picked pleasure.

McIntosh is suited to USDA zones 4–7 and has a confirmed 900-hour chill requirement. It grows semi-dwarf on M-111 rootstock and typically ripens around mid-September, with timing varying by region and season. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil, prune for airflow and sunlight, and harvest promptly as fruit reaches its preferred texture.

McIntosh is partially self-fruitful, but a compatible apple is strongly recommended for fuller crops. Confirmed partners include Red Delicious, Gala, and Fuji Red.

McIntosh Apple Tree Details

• Fruit: Medium apples with red-and-green skin and white flesh
• Flavor and texture: Aromatic, juicy, sweet-tart, and tender when ripe
• Best uses: Fresh eating, applesauce, cider, and baking
• Harvest: Mid-September, with timing varying by region and season
• USDA zones: 4–7
• Chill hours: 900
• Tree size: Semi-dwarf on M-111 rootstock
• Pollination: Partially self-fruitful; another compatible apple is recommended
• Recommended pollinizers: Red Delicious, Gala, or Fuji Red
• Special care: Pick as fruit ripens and store cool to preserve its best texture
• Something Special: John McIntosh’s son Allan helped propagate and spread the family’s seedling, fixing McIntosh as the variety’s lasting name.

Orchard Planning Resources

• Bare Root Tree Selection Guide
• How to Plant Bare Root Trees
• Fruit and Nut Tree Characteristics
• Tree Rootstock Characteristics Chart