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McIntosh Apple

Name: McIntosh Apple
Brand: Malus
Availability: InStock

Malus xdomestica 'Mcintosh'

$104.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

156 inches

Width

156 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

30-40 years on semi-dwarf stock

Native To

Cultivated origin

Toxicity

Seeds are toxic if ingested in quantity.

The Story

Plant Bio

The domestic apple tree is a deciduous fruit tree grown worldwide for its crisp, juicy fruit. It requires annual pruning, a pest management program, and cross-pollination to produce a reliable crop. 'McIntosh' is a classic heirloom apple, famous for its tender, juicy white flesh and a distinctive sweet-tart, aromatic flavor. The skin is a beautiful mix of red and green, and the fruit is excellent for fresh eating, cider, and applesauce.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The apple tree is a classic symbol of the cottage and country garden, offering beautiful, fragrant pink and white blossoms in spring and the satisfying sight of ripening fruit in the fall.

The primary benefit is the production of delicious, versatile fruit for fresh eating, baking, sauces, and cider. Growing your own apples provides access to varieties and flavors not always available in supermarkets.

The spring blossoms are an important food source for honeybees and native pollinators, which are essential for the entire garden ecosystem. Fallen fruit can provide food for wildlife, though this can also attract pests.

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with fertile, well-drained loamy soil.
Plant a compatible pollinator variety within 50 feet.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the roots, but no deeper.
Set the tree on a small mound of soil in the hole.
Ensure the graft union is 2-3 inches above the final soil line.
Backfill, water thoroughly, and mulch.

Pro Tip

McIntosh requires a pollinator. Plant another mid-season blooming apple variety like 'Gala', 'Honeycrisp', or a crabapple nearby for successful fruit production.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune annually in late winter to maintain an open structure.
Implement a spray program to control pests and diseases.
Thin fruit in early summer to improve size and quality.
Protect the trunk from rodents and sunscald in winter.

Don't

Don't plant in a low-lying frost pocket.
Avoid planting in poorly drained soil.
Don't skip spraying; McIntosh is very susceptible to apple scab.
Never leave the graft union below the soil line.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Harvest
Prune
Spray

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Productive addition to a home orchardEdible landscape specimenCandidate for espalier against a wall

Companion Plants

Malus 'Honeycrisp' (pollinator) Allium schoenoprasum (chives) Trifolium repens (white clover) Tanacetum vulgare (tansy) Monarda didyma (bee balm)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

McIntosh Apple questions

What zones can McIntosh Apple grow in?

McIntosh Apple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is McIntosh Apple deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse McIntosh Apple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does McIntosh Apple bloom?

McIntosh Apple typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does McIntosh Apple need full sun?

McIntosh Apple does best in full sun (6+ hours).