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

McIntosh Apple

Classic Sweet-Tart Fruit
Fragrant Spring Blooms
Home Orchard Favorite

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#7 Container

$86.00

2 in stock

#10 Container

$161.00

5 in stock

#15 Container

$173.00

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We guarantee that your plants and trees will arrive happy and healthy. If you’re not satisfied after receiving your trees and plants, we’ll replace them at no cost to you. Trees and plants are living organisms and require care, maintenance, and protection to survive, root in, and establish properly. Trees that do not survive despite receiving the proper care, maintenance, and protection within the first year will be considered for a one-time replacement. If you purchased plants outside of your growing zone recommendation, or have not properly cared for your new plants as described in your welcome letter, your purchase won’t be covered by our Grasshopper guarantee.
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Grasshopper Gardens offers free home delivery to customers in our local service areas. Experience the convenience of having your plants delivered straight to your home, free of charge, saving you time and effort.

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

518-793-9623.
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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

McIntosh Apple is a classic cold-climate apple tree known for fragrant white spring blossoms, attractive green foliage, and aromatic red fruit with a beloved sweet-tart flavor. It brings edible beauty, seasonal interest, and traditional orchard character to sunny home landscapes.

Why choose McIntosh Apple?

Choose McIntosh Apple for its old-fashioned flavor, spring flower display, and reliable orchard appeal. This well-known variety produces medium-sized apples with red-blushed skin, tender white flesh, and a bright, tangy sweetness that is excellent for fresh eating, sauces, cider, and baking. Its rounded fruit-tree form fits nicely into home orchards and edible gardens, especially when paired with a compatible pollinator for better fruit set.

Key Characteristics

Botanical Name: Malus domestica ‘McIntosh’
Common Name: McIntosh Apple
Plant Type: Deciduous fruit tree
Growth Habit: Upright, rounded fruiting tree

McIntosh Apple Additional Information

McIntosh Apple blooms in spring, producing clusters of white to lightly pink-tinged flowers that attract pollinators and give the tree ornamental value before fruit develops. The apples typically ripen in early to mid-fall, with timing influenced by local weather and tree maturity. Fruit is known for its aromatic flavor, red-and-green skin, and tender texture, making it especially popular for fresh eating, applesauce, cider, and baking.

This deciduous apple tree loses its leaves in fall and rests through winter. Mature size depends strongly on rootstock, so spacing and pruning should be matched to the form being planted. Like most apples, McIntosh benefits from a different apple variety or ornamental crabapple blooming nearby for cross-pollination. Annual dormant pruning helps maintain an open canopy, improve sunlight penetration, support airflow, and keep fruit easier to harvest.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Plant McIntosh Apple in full sun with well-drained, fertile soil and good air circulation. Keep the graft union above soil level and choose a location with enough room for the tree’s mature canopy.

2. Watering: Water deeply and consistently during establishment, keeping soil evenly moist but not saturated. Established trees benefit from supplemental watering during extended dry periods, especially while fruit is developing.

3. Mulching: Apply a wide mulch ring around the root zone to conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition. Keep mulch pulled back from the trunk and graft area.

4. Pruning: Prune during dormancy to develop a strong branch structure, remove crossing or damaged limbs, and open the canopy for sunlight, airflow, and easier harvesting.

Related Resources

FAQs

How large does McIntosh Apple get?
Mature size depends on the rootstock. Dwarf and semi-dwarf trees stay smaller and are easier to harvest, while standard trees can become much larger if not managed with pruning.
Does McIntosh Apple need another apple tree for fruit?
Yes. McIntosh Apple should be planted near a compatible apple variety or ornamental crabapple with overlapping bloom time to support good pollination and fruit production.
When does McIntosh Apple produce fruit?
McIntosh Apple blooms in spring and typically ripens fruit in early to mid-fall, with exact timing depending on local weather, tree age, and growing conditions.

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

Tall Growth
Full Sun
Flowering

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

United States map with most states shaded dark green, indicating broad coverage across the country.

Growing Zones 4-7 Outdoors

(Hardy down to -30)

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Name	Green Giant Arborvitae	White Oak	Freedom Apple	Common Hackberry	Sugar Maple	Cortland Apple
Rating
Mature Height	Large: Up to 30 ft or more	Medium: Up to 30 ft	Medium: Up to 30 ft	Medium: Up to 30 ft	Medium: Up to 30 ft	Medium: Up to 30 ft
Mature Spread	10-20 ft	20+ ft	10-20 ft	20+ ft	20+ ft	10-20 ft
Growth Rate	Fast, Moderate	Moderate, Slow	Moderate	Fast	Moderate, Slow	Moderate
Bloom Time	Non Flowering	Mid spring	Mid spring	Mid spring	Mid spring, Early Spring	Mid spring
Deer Resistant	Usually	Usually	No	Usually	Usually	No
Family	Cupressaceae	Fagaceae	Rosaceae	Cannabaceae	Sapindaceae	Malus
Flower Color	Non Flowering	Yellow/Orange	White	Non Flowering	Non Flowering	White
Hardiness Zones	5, 6, 7, 8	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9	4, 5, 6, 7, 8	4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8	4, 5, 6, 7
Light Needs	Full Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun	Full Sun
Maintenance	Low	Medium	Low	Low	Low	Low