Apple Scion, Macfree

Apple Scion Wood – Macfree (Malus domestica)

Macfree is a disease-resistant apple developed in the United States as part of breeding programs focused on producing high-quality apples that require fewer chemical sprays. Released in the late 20th century, it was bred from McIntosh lineage and retains much of the classic McIntosh-style flavor while offering improved resistance to apple scab. The fruit is medium-sized with red skin and crisp, juicy flesh that delivers a refreshing sweet-tart flavor.

Key Characteristics

Disease-resistant orchard variety
Macfree was developed to provide strong resistance to apple scab, one of the most common diseases affecting apple trees. This makes it especially attractive for home orchards, organic growers, and permaculture systems where minimizing chemical sprays is desirable.

McIntosh-style flavor
The flesh is tender, crisp, and juicy with a pleasant balance of sweetness and acidity. The flavor profile is similar to McIntosh, offering a classic apple taste that works well for fresh eating.

Reliable mid-season harvest
Macfree apples typically ripen in early to mid-autumn. Trees are known for producing dependable crops and attractive red fruit that matures during the main apple harvest season.

Good for fresh eating and kitchen use
While often enjoyed fresh, Macfree apples also work well in applesauce, baking, and cider blends. The balanced flavor allows it to serve as a versatile apple for many traditional kitchen uses.

Product Details

• Type: Apple scion wood
• Variety: Macfree
• Sun requirements: Full sun
• Soil requirements: Medium, well-drained soils
• Bloom time: Mid-season
• Bloom color: White to pale pink
• Fruit qualities: Crisp juicy flesh; balanced sweet-tart flavor
• Fruit uses: Fresh eating, applesauce, baking, cider
• Fruit ripening month: September
• Required chill hours: ~800–1000 hours
• Pollination requirements: Requires a different apple variety for pollination. Good pollination partners include Golden Delicious, Gala, Fuji, Liberty, Enterprise, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp.
• USDA Hardiness zones: 4–8

Important: What You Are Buying (Scion Wood)

This product is apple scion wood, which is a dormant cutting taken from a mature tree during winter. It is essentially a stick with no roots and will not grow on its own. In order to grow a tree, the scion must be grafted onto a compatible apple rootstock.

Grafting allows growers to combine the fruiting variety with a root system that controls tree size, vigor, and adaptability. If you are planning to graft this season, check out our selection of apple rootstocks and build your own apple tree.