{"product_id":"apple-scion-macfree","title":"Apple Scion, Macfree","description":"\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"16ja206\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"47\"\u003eApple Scion Wood – Macfree (Malus domestica)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"49\" data-end=\"504\"\u003eMacfree 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"12c7rhb\" data-start=\"506\" data-end=\"529\"\u003eKey Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"531\" data-end=\"835\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"531\" data-end=\"568\"\u003eDisease-resistant orchard variety\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"568\" data-end=\"571\"\u003eMacfree 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"837\" data-end=\"1060\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"837\" data-end=\"862\"\u003eMcIntosh-style flavor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"862\" data-end=\"865\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1062\" data-end=\"1273\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1062\" data-end=\"1093\"\u003eReliable mid-season harvest\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1093\" data-end=\"1096\"\u003eMacfree 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1275\" data-end=\"1511\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1275\" data-end=\"1316\"\u003eGood for fresh eating and kitchen use\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1316\" data-end=\"1319\"\u003eWhile 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1o2c85r\" data-start=\"1513\" data-end=\"1532\"\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1536\" data-end=\"1560\"\u003eType: Apple scion wood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1563\" data-end=\"1581\"\u003eVariety: Macfree\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1584\" data-end=\"1612\"\u003eSun requirements: Full sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1615\" data-end=\"1662\"\u003eSoil requirements: Medium, well-drained soils\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1665\" data-end=\"1689\"\u003eBloom time: Mid-season\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1692\" data-end=\"1725\"\u003eBloom color: White to pale pink\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1728\" data-end=\"1792\"\u003eFruit qualities: Crisp juicy flesh; balanced sweet-tart flavor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1795\" data-end=\"1848\"\u003eFruit uses: Fresh eating, applesauce, baking, cider\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1851\" data-end=\"1884\"\u003eFruit ripening month: September\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1887\" data-end=\"1926\"\u003eRequired chill hours: ~800–1000 hours\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1929\" data-end=\"2123\"\u003ePollination requirements: Requires a different apple variety for pollination. Good pollination partners include Golden Delicious, Gala, Fuji, Liberty, Enterprise, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2126\" data-end=\"2151\"\u003eUSDA Hardiness zones: 4–8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1bihd29\" data-start=\"2153\" data-end=\"2200\"\u003eImportant: What You Are Buying (Scion Wood)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2202\" data-end=\"2458\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2460\" data-end=\"2701\"\u003eGrafting 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 \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tfcnursery.com\/collections\/fruit-tree-rootstock-bare-roots\" title=\"https:\/\/tfcnursery.com\/collections\/fruit-tree-rootstock-bare-roots\"\u003eselection of apple rootstocks\u003c\/a\u003e and build your own apple tree.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Greenheart Farm","offers":[{"title":"Apple Scion","offer_id":47819103731971,"sku":"APSC-09","price":6.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/tfcnursery.com\/products\/apple-scion-macfree","provider":"The Farm Connection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}