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Variety fit — Hawaii

Can I grow McIntosh apple in Hawaii?

The verdict

Not recommended

  • Needs about 900 chill hours; your area averages 0 and tops out near 0.
  • Your zone 12b is warmer than this variety's range (zones 5–8); it may not receive reliable winter chilling.

Based on Hawaii’s main growing area (96813): zone 12b, ~0 chill hours. Your exact site may differ — check your ZIP.

McIntosh requirements vs. Hawaii climate
McIntosh chill requirement900 chill hours
McIntosh hardinessUSDA zones 5–8
Hawaii average chill (96813)0 hours (0–0 across 10 winters)
Hawaii zone (96813)USDA zone 12b
USDA pomological watercolor of McIntosh apple
Malus domestica: McIntoshUSDA pomological watercolor, Deborah Griscom Passmore, 1909 · USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection

Or the same verdict for another region:

Can I grow McIntosh apple in Hawaii?
Probably not — Needs about 900 chill hours; your area averages 0 and tops out near 0.

Sources

  1. [1] Open-Meteo / Copernicus ERA5. Historical Weather API (hourly 2m temperature) — accessed July 2026
  2. [2] USDA / PRISM (Oregon State University). 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map — accessed July 2026
  3. [3] Utah State University Extension. Apple Production and Variety Recommendations for the Utah Home Garden — accessed July 2026
  4. [4] Dave Wilson Nursery. Apples — DWN Variety Finder product list — accessed July 2026