Red McIntosh Apple

Overview

Red McIntosh is a sport of McIntosh, known for its deep red color, tender flesh, and balanced sweet–tart flavor. 

Origin and History

McIntosh originated in eastern Canada in the early 1800s and quickly earned a reputation as one of the most reliable cold-climate apples in North America. Red McIntosh refers to a red-colored "bud sport" (bud/limb mutation on an original McIntosh that possessed redder apples) more uniform coloration while preserving the essential characteristics that made McIntosh famous.

Fruit & Uses

Fruit is medium-sized with a rich red skin and bright white flesh. The texture is tender and juicy, with a refreshing balance of sweetness and acidity. Al and Mary Pernichele of Frost Top Orchard in Corvallis, MT have hundreds of these trees and the flavor is really good. Of all the McIntosh's we've tried, Luke's favorite is the 'Fred's Mac' in Missoula and Elizabeth's are the Red McIntosh's grown by Al and Mary. Excellent for fresh eating, applesauce, cider blending, and cooking, though it tends to soften quickly in storage compared to firmer modern varieties. Very good dried, too! The aroma on the Red McIntosh is identical to the original mac. Classic aroma, very perfumy. Takes me back to a kid when I would go to Patterson Fruit Farm.

Growth Habit & Spacing

Trees are moderately vigorous with an upright to spreading habit and are generally easy to manage. These trees are all on M7 rootstock, and should be placed 15 ft. apart (12 ft for tighter spacing/more pruning). McIntosh responds well to regular pruning, which helps maintain airflow, reduce disease pressure, and encourage consistent fruiting.

Pollination

Red McIntosh is a diploid apple and produces viable pollen. It is a good pollenizer for many other apple varieties and, in turn, benefits from having at least one compatible apple with overlapping bloom nearby. Pollenizers to plant with Red McIntosh that we offer include: 9-22 End, Alexander, Arkansas Black, Ashmead’s Kernel, Blue Pearmain, Brown Snout, Cortland, Crimson Beauty, Empire, Freedom, Frostbite, KinderKrisp, MN 1628, Northern Spy, Paula Red, Pristine, Spartan, Chestnut, Centennial, Martha, Rescue, Trailman

Cold Hardiness

Red McIntosh is a solid zone 3 apple with well-documented cold tolerance. Notably, McIntosh has withstood approximately -38°F in Corvallis, Montana without any damage, demonstrating excellent midwinter hardiness when properly sited. While it performs very well in much of western Montana, it should not be planted widely in eastern Montana unless careful attention is paid to site selection. Good air drainage is important, and low-lying frost pockets should be avoided to reduce the risk of spring and fall freeze damage.