McIntosh Apple Tree

Name: McIntosh Apple Tree
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 22290
Price: 69.43 USD
Availability: InStock

Malus 'McIntosh'

Nature Hills Nursery

$69⁴³

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In Stock

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#2 Container 4-5 Feet

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Select a location that receives full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. While the tree can survive in partial shade, the fruit production will drop significantly and the apples may lack their signature sweetness.
Soil: These trees thrive in rich, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. If you are dealing with heavy clay soil, mix in compost or organic matter to improve drainage, as apple trees struggle in soil that stays soggy after rain.

Watering Requirements

For the first year or two, water deeply and regularly to ensure the root system establishes well, checking the soil moisture weekly. Once established, the tree is somewhat drought tolerant, but inconsistent watering during the summer can lead to fruit drop or smaller, less juicy apples.

Pruning Tips

Prune your McIntosh in late winter while the tree is dormant, before any signs of new growth appear. Focus on removing crossing branches and opening up the center of the canopy to increase air circulation and sunlight penetration, which helps prevent disease and ripens fruit evenly.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a layer of compost around the drip line in early spring as new growth begins. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the growing season, as this encourages soft new growth that can be easily damaged by winter frost.

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 7-10 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

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

McIntosh Apple America's Favorite Heritage Variety

McIntosh Apple is famous not for its crunch, but rather the snap. From the first bite, the classic McIntosh snap of the skin alerts you to prepare for the perfect blend of tartness to sugar which is so much the reason for its popularity.

McIntosh Apple tree produces heavy crops of small to medium-sized apples that ripen and are ready for harvest around mid-September. Often, McIntosh Apple crops persist into early winter, as this tree is hardy and can easily withstand colder temperatures.

The tree is cold hardy, but it's also adapted to a wide range of climates. Recent studies have determined McIntosh to have a low chill requirement, as well. Fruit sets have been reported into what would be considered extremely low chill zones 10 and 11a.

The classic Apple tree in the landscape, the McIntosh is a decorative addition to your yard with its show of delicate Apple blossoms in early spring. As the Apples begin to develop, you'll enjoy watching as your fruit transitions into red over green, decorating the tree amid the vibrant dark green leaves.

When you're craving Apples at the end of the summer, growing your own McIntosh tree is here to satisfy your sweet tooth. Not only do McIntosh Apples grow from lovely trees, but these delicious apples also ripen early in the season, making them a convenient go-to snack. These Apples are great for eating.

Key Features

Early Ripening Fruit
Heavy Producing
Adapted to a Wide Range of Climates
Both Cold Hardy and Low Chill
Famous Heirloom Variety
Disease Resistant
Chilling Requirements: Moderate to High 500 to 1000 hours

Classic All-Purpose McIntosh Apple Tree

The sweet-tart taste and tender white flesh of the McIntosh Apple make it great for snacking. But there is a lot more to this unique variety than just fresh eating. The "Mac's" were the first of the all-purpose Apples.

McIntosh Apples have the perfect balance of acid to sugar. This makes them great for butter, jelly, and cider. And no county fair would be the same without a McIntosh candied apple on a stick.

For bakers, McIntosh cooks down into a soft consistency. Slice and mix with other varieties, such as Winesap, or Gala Apples to produce the perfect filling for the world's best Apple Pie. And there is nothing that beats the flavor of a "Mac" apple sauce.

Don't delay in getting this tree planted in your garden. The sooner you plant, the faster you'll begin enjoying the wonderful fresh fruit harvest from your backyard.

Pollination Partners for McIntosh Apples

McIntosh requires a pollinator, so when planting, remember to think of a later or earlier ripening variety to extend your harvest of apples. Be sure to select varieties that are recommended for the USDA Growing zone you are planting in. Enter your zip code in the Zone Finder to see what zone you are in.

An early ripener, the McIntosh apple tree is one of the earliest of the apples to ripen. When planning your selection, don't forget to plant a few Apple varieties. McIntosh will be your early ripening variety.

To extend your season of harvest, plant the McIntosh with the mid-season Winesap and a late-season Arkansas Black Apple. You'll gain an heirloom harvest of some of the finest-eating Apples known. To increase pollination, plant your McIntosh with another Apple tree like the Anna, Centennial Crabapple, Cox's Orange Pippin, CrimsonCrisp, Cripps Pink, Cripps Ted, Dolgo Crabapple, Freedom, Frostbite, Fuji, Granny Smith, Haralson, Jonathan, SnowSweet, Sweet Sixteen, Wealthy, WineCrisp, Wolf River.

#ProPlantTips for Care

This crisp, juicy Apple grows best in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. A moderate amount of moisture is required to ensure the McIntosh tree produces a full crop of delicious, ripe apples.

You'll want to plant your McIntosh where it will get plenty of sunlight, as full sun exposure is needed to grow. Fruiting time can take anywhere from three to five years, but if you have a little patience, the apples this tree produces are well worth the wait.

McIntosh Apple can be maintained to any height with pruning. It is always recommended that fruit trees be maintained below 10 feet for ease of maintenance and harvesting.

All apples require a certain amount of care in different regions of the country. Check with your local Ag Extension Agency to find out apple care recommendations for your area. Nature Hills carries a wide range of natural and conventional products to help with your fruit tree care.

When planting, mix some HSU Growing Supply Leaf Compost into soils with low organic matter to get your tree off to a great start, In any soil, the Fertilome Root Stimulator will aid in the quick adjustment of its new home.

McIntosh Apple was a chance seedling discovered by John McIntosh in the early 1800s, while clearing his property in Fall St Lawrence and Alexander, Canada. By the beginning of the 20th century, the McIntosh Apple was the #1 variety planted in Canada and throughout the upper Midwest and East Coast in the United States.

Order one of America's favorite Apple Trees today!

Botanical Name

Malus 'McIntosh'
Class
- Magnoliopsida
Species

hybrid
Cultivar

McIntosh
Growing Zones

4-8
Height

12-18 ft
Width

10-15 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- White
Leaf Color
- Green
- Yellow
Fall Color

Yellow
Native

Yes
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR, WA

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Growing Zones 4-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

When will my McIntosh Apple Tree start bearing fruit, and how heavy are the yields?

McIntosh Apple trees typically begin producing fruit 3-4 years after planting and reach full production by year 6. This variety is known for heavy crops of small to medium-sized apples that ripen in mid-September. Plant in full sun with well-draining soil for best yields.

How do I properly plant a bare-root McIntosh Apple Tree upon arrival?

Plant bare-root McIntosh Apple trees in early spring while dormant, digging a hole twice as wide as the root spread. Soak roots 2-4 hours before planting, spread them naturally, and backfill with native soil. Shop quality bare-root trees at naturehills.com for best results.

How and when should I prune my McIntosh Apple Tree?

Prune McIntosh Apple trees during dormancy in late winter before buds break. Remove dead, diseased, and crossing branches first, then thin crowded areas to improve air circulation. Focus on opening the center for sunlight penetration and shaping for easier harvest access.

Is the McIntosh Apple Tree susceptible to diseases like apple scab, and how do I prevent them?

McIntosh Apple trees are disease resistant, making them less susceptible to common apple diseases like scab. Their hardy nature and wide climate adaptability (zones 10-11a) contribute to their natural resilience. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to maintain optimal tree health.

What is the shipping cost for a McIntosh Apple Tree, and is there a minimum order?

Shipping costs vary by tree size and location when you shop at Nature Hills. Most orders qualify for free shipping with minimum purchase thresholds. Check naturehills.com at checkout for exact rates and current promotions before finalizing your McIntosh apple tree order.

Can I grow a McIntosh Apple Tree in my zone (e.g., zone 7A or warmer climates)?

McIntosh Apple trees adapt to a wide range of climates and have been successfully grown in zones as warm as 10-11a due to their low chill requirement. While traditionally cold hardy, recent studies show they can fruit set in extremely low chill zones. Check your local chill hours to ensure proper fruit production.