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Variety fit — Mississippi

Can I grow McIntosh apple in Mississippi?

The verdict

Maybe — with caveats

  • Some winters reach the 900+ chill hours this variety needs, but not most — expect inconsistent cropping.

Based on Mississippi’s main growing area (39201): zone 8b, ~808 chill hours. Your exact site may differ — check your ZIP.

The numbers

McIntosh requirements vs. Mississippi climate
McIntosh chill requirement900 chill hours
McIntosh hardinessUSDA zones 5–8
Mississippi average chill (39201)808 hours (498–966 across 10 winters)
Mississippi zone (39201)USDA zone 8b
USDA pomological watercolor of McIntosh apple
Malus domestica: McIntoshUSDA pomological watercolor, Deborah Griscom Passmore, 1909 · USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection

Better apple choices for Mississippi

These meet Mississippi’s chill hours and zone comfortably:

Keep checking

Or the same verdict for another region:

Planting a McIntosh in Mississippi? Get its care calendar for your exact ZIP code, starting with this month’s tasks for one tree, free.

Save your first tree free

Questions

Can I grow McIntosh apple in Mississippi?
Possibly — Some winters reach the 900+ chill hours this variety needs, but not most — expect inconsistent cropping.

Planting a McIntosh? Gear that helps

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Before you plantMySoil mail-in soil test kitLab-grade pH and nutrient analysis with amendment recommendations — worth doing before you plant.View on Amazon →First-year wateringTreegator slow-release watering bag20 gallons drips over 5–9 hours — the easiest way to keep a first-year tree consistently watered.View on Amazon →Bark protectionExpandable trunk protectors (5-pack)Stops rabbit, vole, and mower damage on young bark — cheap insurance for a new orchard.View on Amazon →

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