The Macoun apple tree is a distinctive apple variety, cultivated for its unique flavor and texture. Originating from the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva in 1923, it was named after Canadian fruit breeder W.T. Macoun. This apple is particularly favored in New England for its superior flavor among McIntosh-style apples. Gardeners are drawn to the Macoun for its rich, aromatic sweetness and crispness, a desirable addition to home orchards.
Macoun Apple Tree Characteristics
The Macoun apple fruit presents a dark purplish-red blush over a green background, especially pronounced in cooler climates. It is medium-sized, round to slightly oblong, with hints of green and yellow on its skin. Its flesh is white, firm, and juicy, with a soft crisp texture. Its flavor profile is a balanced blend of sweetness and tartness, characterized by a rich, aromatic quality with vinous or subtle berry undertones.
The Macoun apple tree exhibits a vigorous, upright growth habit, often requiring training for a more spreading canopy. It is a medium-sized tree, reaching 12 to 16 feet; dwarf rootstocks limit height to 8-12 feet. These trees are productive spur-bearers, producing fruit on short, woody spurs along the branches. Macoun trees are hardy, thriving in USDA Zones 4 through 8. They are known for good disease resistance, particularly to cedar apple rust, but can be susceptible to scab and fire blight.
Planting and Growing Macoun Apple Trees
Successful cultivation of Macoun apple trees begins with proper site selection. These trees require full sun exposure (at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily) for optimal fruit development and sugar production. Good air circulation also helps foliage dry quickly and reduces fungal disease risk. The site should be elevated slightly to avoid “frost pockets” where cold air settles.
Macoun apple trees prefer well-drained, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Before planting, conduct a soil test to assess fertility and pH. This allows for necessary amendments like lime to adjust acidity or organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient retention. When planting, dig a hole wide enough for the roots and deep enough so the tree is at its nursery depth. After placing the tree, backfill with soil, gently firming it around the roots to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly.
Choosing the appropriate rootstock is also a consideration, as it determines the mature size of the tree and how early it will bear fruit. Semi-dwarf rootstocks (e.g., MM 111, M-7) result in trees 12-16 feet tall, while dwarf rootstocks (e.g., M-26) keep trees 8-12 feet. Dwarf rootstocks induce earlier bearing (2-3 years), compared to standard trees which may take 5-7 years. Macoun apples are self-sterile, requiring a different apple variety nearby for cross-pollination.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent watering is important for Macoun apple trees, especially for young trees and during dry periods or fruit production stages. Provide 12-15 gallons of water per week from May through September; well-drained soil prevents waterlogging. Mulching around the tree’s base with arborist’s wood chips conserves soil moisture and regulates temperature. Keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot and deter rodents.
Fertilization should be guided by soil test results to avoid over-application, particularly of nitrogen, which can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of fruit production. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Apple trees benefit from annual pruning, performed in late winter or early spring after the coldest weather but before new growth. Pruning helps maintain tree shape, improves light penetration and air circulation within the canopy, and promotes fruit production.
During pruning, focus on removing dead, diseased, or broken branches. Eliminate crossing or downward-growing branches, vigorous vertical shoots (water sprouts), or suckers from the roots. Macoun trees can be prone to over-cropping and biennial bearing. Aggressive fruit thinning in early June is necessary to improve fruit size and quality and encourage consistent cropping. While Macouns show good disease resistance to cedar apple rust, they are susceptible to apple scab, canker, and fire blight, requiring monitoring and preventative measures.
Harvesting and Enjoying Macoun Apples
Macoun apples are ready for harvest in mid-September to early October, though timing varies based on regional climate and growing conditions. Ripeness indicators include: characteristic dark purplish-red blush, firm feel, and easy separation from the branch with a gentle lift and twist. The seeds inside should have turned brown, indicating maturity.
Harvest carefully to avoid bruising, as Macouns bruise easily and can drop readily when ripe. Simply cup the apple in your hand and lift it upwards, twisting slightly until the stem detaches. Once picked, Macoun apples are best enjoyed fresh; they are not long-keeping varieties. They retain quality for 3-4 weeks in cool storage, becoming mealy more quickly than some other varieties. Their crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor make them excellent for fresh eating, salads, sauces, and apple pies, holding their shape well when cooked.