Photo of ripe organic McIntosh apples on a tree. - Grasshopper Gardens

McIntosh Apple

Classic flavor profile: Sweet, mildly tart apples perfect for fresh eating and applesauce
Cold hardy reliability: Performs well in cooler climates with consistent yields
Beautiful seasonal interest: Spring blossoms followed by vibrant red fruit in fall
Versatile kitchen use: Ideal for sauces, salads, and light baking
Manageable growth habits: Suitable for backyard orchards with proper pruning

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Our local delivery area reaches as far north as Schroon Lake, south to Voorheesville, Glenmont, and East Greenbush areas, parts of Fulton and Montgomery counties, much of Washington County, and all areas in between. If you have questions on local delivery, give us a call at

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McIntosh Apple

Sunlight
Can grow in a range from full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Watering
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.
Fertilizing
Should not need any extra fertilizer unless your entire lawn and garden have problems and needs regular fertilizing.

McIntosh Apple

A classic and widely loved apple variety, McIntosh Apple is known for its tender, juicy flesh and sweet-tart flavor. It is a staple in home orchards and traditional apple growing regions, valued for both fresh eating and cooking.

General Information:

Botanical Name: Malus domestica ‘McIntosh’
Plant Type: Deciduous fruit tree
Mature Height: 15–20 feet (standard); smaller on dwarf rootstock
Mature Spread: 12–15 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–7
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Flowering and Flower Color: Mid-spring; fragrant white to pale pink blossoms

Geographic Guidance:

Performs best in cool to temperate climates, especially in regions with cold winters and moderate summers within USDA Zones 4–7.

Why Choose This Plant?

Consider McIntosh Apple if you want a classic, flavorful apple with dependable performance.

Classic sweet-tart flavor: Ideal for fresh eating, sauces, and baking
Cold hardy: Performs exceptionally well in northern climates
Early-season harvest: Enjoy fruit earlier than many other apple varieties
Versatile use: Perfect for applesauce, cider, and desserts
Beautiful spring blooms: Adds ornamental value during flowering season

Complete Care & Growing Guide

Light Requirements

Requires full sun (6–8 hours daily) for best flowering, fruiting, and overall health.

Soil

Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with good organic matter. Slightly acidic soil is ideal for optimal growth.

Watering

Moderate watering needs. Keep soil consistently moist during establishment and fruit development; avoid prolonged drought.

Pruning

Prune in late winter while dormant to maintain shape, improve airflow, and encourage strong fruit production. Regular pruning helps prevent disease and improves fruit quality.

Uses & Landscape Benefits

Ideal for home orchards and edible landscapes
Produces flavorful fruit for fresh eating, sauces, and cider
Adds seasonal beauty with spring blossoms and fall harvest
Works well in traditional and heritage orchard plantings
Supports pollinators and beneficial insects

Planting & Care

1. Planting: This is a large landscape tree and as such, requires a bit of planning before planting. First, measure the area where you would like to plant your hedge or row. You will need the length of the area of planting to estimate the number of trees you need.

When planting, dig a hole for each tree that is three times as wide as the root ball but just as deep. Place the tree, fill in around the tree with the same soil you took out when initially digging the hole. Finally, tamp down as you fill to cut back on any air pockets from forming, water the tree, then mulch to conserve moisture.

2. Watering: For the first two weeks, water your new tree every other day by holding a hose around it and counting to 20. If you don’t have a hose, 2 large watering cans full of water will do (smaller trees may only need a light soaking so a single can may suffice).

Related Resources

FAQs

Does McIntosh Apple need a pollinator?

Yes, it requires another apple variety nearby for cross-pollination and optimal fruit production.
How long does it take to produce fruit?

Most trees begin producing within 3–5 years, depending on rootstock and growing conditions.
Can it handle cold winters?

Yes, it is well-suited to cold climates and performs reliably in northern regions.

Shipping Details

Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you’ll receive an email with a tracking number.

Amount of Order	Shipping Charge
Local Delivery	FREE SHIPPING
Non-Local Delivery	Varies based on UPS shipping

Mature Height	Medium: Up to 30 ft
Mature Spread	10-20 ft
Growth Rate	Moderate
Botanical Name	Malus 'McIntosh'
Bloom Time	Mid spring
Deer Resistant	No
Flower Color	White
Family	Rosaceae
Hardiness Zones	4, 5, 6, 7
Light Needs	Full Sun
Maintenance	Low
Size	#10 Container, #15 Container, #7 Container

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Name	Cortland Apple	Spring Snow Crabapple	Profusion Crabapple	Red Regent Apple	Honeycrisp Apple	Radiant Crabapple
Rating
Mature Height	Medium: Up to 30 ft	Large: Up to 30 ft or more	Large: Up to 30 ft or more	Medium: Up to 30 ft	Medium: Up to 30 ft	Medium: Up to 30 ft
Mature Spread	10-20 ft	20+ ft	20+ ft	10-20 ft	10-20 ft	20+ ft
Growth Rate	Moderate	Fast, Moderate	Fast, Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
Bloom Time	Mid spring	Mid spring	Mid spring, Early Spring	Mid spring	Mid spring	Late Spring, Mid spring
Deer Resistant	No	No	Usually	No	No	No
Family	Malus	Rosaceae	Rosaceae	Rosaceae	Malus	Rosaceae
Flower Color	White	White	Pink	White	White	White
Hardiness Zones	4, 5, 6, 7	4, 5, 6, 7, 8	4, 5, 6, 7, 8	4, 5, 6, 7	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8	4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Light Needs	Full Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun
Maintenance	Low	Low	Low	Low	Low	Low