Malus domestica ‘McIntosh’
Description: McIntosh apple trees have a columnar shape, growing to heights of 15–20 feet with a spread of 10–12 feet. They are known for their manageable size, making them popular in both home gardens and commercial orchards.
Flower/Fruit: The fruit is small to medium in size, featuring a red and green skin with crisp, white flesh.
Habitat: These trees thrive in regions with cool nights and warm, sunny days. McIntosh apple trees are hardy and can survive extremely cold temperatures.
Pollination: McIntosh apple trees are not self-pollinating and require another apple tree or crabapple for cross-pollination to produce fruit. Recommended pollinators include Honeycrisp, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Arkansas Black, Winesap, and Pink Lady.
Harvest: The apples are typically ready for harvest in September. The best time to pick them is when they are firm, crisp, juicy, and have fully developed their characteristic flavor.
Flavor: McIntosh apples are prized for their balance of sweetness and acidity, which gives them a refreshing and distinctive flavor. The apples offer a simple yet appealing flavor, combining sweetness with a refreshing acidity with a subtle hint of wine.