Exceptional cold hardiness enables reliable growth in cooler climates
Consistent annual yields provide dependable harvests for home orchards
Classic sweet-tart flavor profile ideal for fresh eating, baking, and cider
Attracts pollinators, supporting local biodiversity and garden health
Spreading open canopy offers natural shade and improved air circulation
Summarized by Shop
Malus domestica 'McIntosh'
The McIntosh apple is a beloved, iconic cultivar celebrated for its crisp, juicy texture and distinctive, sweet-tart flavor profile. Renowned for its classic aromatic quality and bright, crimson-and-green skin, this cold-hardy tree brings both nostalgic charm and heavy-yielding harvests to the orchard.
As spring
Botanical Name
Malus domestica 'McIntosh'
Mature Height
12–20 feet (depending on rootstock)
Growth Rate
12–18 inches per year
Lifespan
30–50 years
USDA Hardiness Zones
3a–7
Chill Hours
700–900 hours
Sun Preference
Full sun
Soil Type
Well-drained, fertile loamy soil
Water Needs
Moderate, consistent moisture during fruit development