Flavor & Uses: Hardi-Mac apples are a crisp, juicy variety with a classic McIntosh-like flavor, but with improved cold-hardiness. The flesh is tender, aromatic, and slightly tart, mellowing to a sweeter taste after a short period in storage.
Hardi-Mac apples are excellent for fresh eating, offering a rich apple aroma and satisfying crunch. They also perform well in baking, sauces, and cider, holding their shape while developing a smooth texture when cooked. Their high juice content makes them a good option for fresh apple juice and cider blends.

Size & Color: Medium to large-sized (7–9 cm diameter). The apples have a deep red skin with a hint of green, sometimes with light striping.

Growth & Hardiness: A vigorous and upright-growing tree, Hardi-Mac thrives in Zone 3–6. It is a consistent annual bearer, producing high-quality fruit with minimal alternate bearing cycles.

Harvest Time: Mid to late September. The apples store well for 3–4 months, improving in sweetness after a few weeks in cold storage.

Disease Resistance: Hardi-Mac has good resistance to apple scab and powdery mildew. It is somewhat susceptible to fire blight, but careful pruning and orchard management can reduce risk.

Breeding & Origin: Developed in Canada, Hardi-Mac was bred as a cold-hardy alternative to McIntosh, offering similar flavor and texture but with improved resilience to harsh climates.

Pollination: Requires a pollination partner. It blooms in the mid-season, making it compatible with Liberty, Goodland, and September Ruby. Hardy crabapples such as Dolgo are also excellent pollinators.

Pot: 5 gal