Apple 'McIntosh'

$109.99
Title

 Known as the "National Apple of Canada," the Red McIntosh is a true autumn showstopper. In spring, it drapes itself in a profusion of fragrant, pure white blossoms that emerge from delicate pink buds, drawing in pollinators with their sweet scent. As the season turns, its dense, dark-green canopy gives way to a heavy harvest of iconic, deep-crimson apples, often kissed with a classic green blush. Its stately, rounded form makes it a picturesque addition to any landscape, offering a timeless "backyard orchard" aesthetic.

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Plant Details

Difficulty:

Medium to Hard

Zone:

4-8

Watering:

High

Years To Bear:

2–3 years for dwarf; 4–6 years for semi-dwarf varieties.

Plant Type:

Fruit Tree

Light:

Full Sun

Plant Profile

Common Names:

Red McIntosh, McIntosh Red, The Mac

Scientific Name:

Malus domestica ‘Red McIntosh’

Growth Details:

Mature Size: Standard (20–25 ft), Semi-Dwarf (12–15 ft), or Dwarf (8–10 ft) depending on rootstock.

Growth Habit/Form: Robust, rounded, and naturally spreading.

Growth Rate: Fast and vigorous.

Longevity: 50 years or more under ideal conditions.

Features:

Native Species: No (Native to Canada, specifically Ontario).

Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Uses: Exceptional for fresh eating, cider, and applesauce; cooks faster than most other varieties.

Famous Namesake: The inspiration for the name of the Apple MacIntosh computer.

Environmental Needs:

Exposure: Full sun; thrives best in cooler climates with cold nights and clear autumn days.

Soil Preferences: Prefers deep, rich, organic-rich sandy loam soils.

Soil Tolerance: Adaptable to various soil types (clay, loam) but will not tolerate "wet feet".

Watering: High; needs consistent moisture and should not be allowed to dry out completely.

Care Guide

Plant Care

Care:

Light: Full sun is mandatory (at least 6–8 hours daily) to ensure the fruit develops its signature deep red colour and to keep the leaves dry.

Moisture: Requires regular, deep watering to keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy, especially during summer heatwaves and fruit development.

Maintenance & Fertilization: Apply compost or a balanced fruit fertilizer in early spring. Annual pruning in late winter is critical to open the canopy for airflow, which helps prevent its common enemy: apple scab.

Tips For Success:

Thinning: Thin fruit in early summer (leaving one apple per cluster) to prevent "fruit drop" and ensure larger, better-tasting harvests.

Winter Protection: Use a white spiral tree guard in the fall to protect bark from rodents and frost cracks.

Planting Considerations:

Best Time To Plant: Early spring while the tree is still dormant.

Spacing: 15–20 feet for semi-dwarf varieties.

Location Tips: Choose a site with excellent air circulation and drainage; avoid low-lying frost pockets.

Fruit Profile

Size:

Medium

Colour:

Brilliant crimson red, frequently featuring green and white mottling.

Texture:

Crisp and tender when fresh, with juicy white flesh that softens quickly after harvest.

Flavour:

Characteristically tart and tangy with a simple, refreshing sweetness and a subtle "vinous" (wine-like) finish.

Harvest Time:

Mid-September to early October.

Pollination Requirements:

Not self-fertile. Requires a different variety (Group 2) nearby for cross-pollination, such as 'Cortland', 'Honeycrisp', 'Fuji', or 'Gala'.
Fruit Profile