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RubyMac® McIntosh Apple Tree

Malus x 'RubyMac'

Nature Hills Nursery
$000
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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: Plant your RubyMac in full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. This ensures the fruit develops that signature deep red color and high sugar content while preventing powdery mildew on the leaves.
  • Soil: These trees prefer well drained, loamy soil with a slightly acidic pH. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost or plant on a slight mound to keep the roots from sitting in water, which can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, provide about 1 inch of water per week to help the root system expand. Once established, the RubyMac is moderately drought tolerant, but inconsistent watering during fruit swell can cause the apples to be small or drop prematurely. Aim for deep, infrequent soakings at the base of the tree rather than light sprinkles that only wet the surface.

Pruning Tips

Since apples bloom on old wood (spurs), you should prune in late winter while the tree is dormant to avoid cutting off the coming season's crop. Focus on "thinning cuts" to open up the center of the canopy, which allows sunlight and air to reach the inner fruit. Think of it like opening a window to let the tree breathe, which reduces disease pressure and helps the fruit ripen evenly.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring before the new growth starts to provide the energy needed for leaf and fruit production. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers in late summer because this encourages soft, green growth that won't harden off before winter, making the tree vulnerable to freeze damage. A single application in spring is usually all a mature tree requires to stay productive.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12 Week of March 2nd


Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
$199+ FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
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Every time you bite into a RubyMac® McIntosh Apple (Malus x 'RubyMac') and the rich aroma and sweet yet tart flavor overtakes you, you will want to thank John McIntosh for discovering its grandfather and starting this variety on his Ontario farm over two hundred years ago!

This variety provides large bright red fruit with a charming hint of green. You'll know when they're ripe because the skin around the stems turns yellow. The RubyMac® McIntosh Apple's flesh is bright white and crisp and perfect for fresh eating, filling your mouth with sweet, tart, and juicy delight. The later you harvest, the sweeter the fruit!

It grows well in areas that have cold winters that can kill other varieties, and at a moderate rate, consistently providing large crops in September. The tree holds onto the apples better than most and resists premature drop.

Planting and Application:

The glorious white, fragrant blossoms are a major draw for pollinators and the tree fills out nicely with handsome foliage. Smaller sized, RubyMac® is perfect for any sized yard and garden, great for front or back yard edible landscaping and readily tucked into existing landscapes and established orchards!

Are you ready to relax in front of a winter fire, and joy a hot up of cider along with an apple muffin, both made from your delicious RubyMac® apples? They are great right off the tree but hold up to baking great too. You can make delicious pies and tarts, preserves and applesauce! There's enough juice for amazing cider too!

  • Red Fruit & White Crisp Flesh
  • Sweet-Tart & Juicy
  • Sport of the Original McIntosh Apple
  • Great Choice for Cold Climates
  • Provides a Large Harvest

#ProPlantTips for Care:

The RubyMac® McIntosh should be planted in full sun with well-draining soil. Fertilize your new tree three times a year and water twice a week when the weather is dry. RubyMac® is fairly resistant to most diseases! Prune when dormant for an open canopy in late winter.

  • Full Sun
  • Enriched Well-Drained Soil
  • Loves Mulched Beds
  • Regular Moisture
  • Disease Resistant

So if you live in a cool enough climate, the RubyMac® McIntosh will provide you with many years of crisp, juicy, tart apples. Pay homage to Mr. McIntosh and order your RubyMac® McIntosh Apple tree from NatureHills.com today!

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