Belmac is a Canadian apple bred for cold climates and disease resistance, combining the sweet-tart flavor of its MacIntosh parent with impressive storage longevity. These medium-to-large, deep red apples ripen in late September or early October and keep for three months or longer, making them exceptional for gardeners who want fresh fruit well into winter. Hardy in zones 4 through 9, Belmac grows as a compact tree reaching about 5 feet at maturity and thrives in full sun, offering both excellent flavor and the durability of a true keeper.
Full Sun
Moderate
4-9
60in H x ?in W
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High
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Bred in Quebec by Dr. Shahrokh Khanizadeh and introduced in 1996, Belmac carries the genes of its legendary Spartan parent while adding formidable resistance to scab, mildew, and other common apple diseases. The sweet, balanced flavor with hints of tart makes these apples delicious fresh from the tree, yet their storage capacity is truly exceptional, holding quality for months without special equipment. For cold-climate gardeners tired of powdery leaves and spotted fruit, this cultivar delivers both healthy foliage and reliable harvests year after year.
Belmac apples serve equally well fresh from hand as they do in storage or cooking. Their balanced sweet-tart character makes them excellent for eating out of hand, while their firm flesh and good acidity suit them to sauce, cider, and baking. The extended storage capability transforms this variety into a practical choice for anyone seeking apples that bridge the autumn harvest into winter months, reducing dependence on cold storage or commercial fruit.
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Plant bare-root or container-grown Belmac trees in early spring or fall, spacing them 15 to 20 feet apart if you're growing multiple trees for cross-pollination. Choose a location with full sun exposure and ensure the soil drains well to prevent root rot. Harden off container trees gradually before planting, and water deeply after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Harvest Belmac apples when they reach full deep red color and the background color shifts from green to yellowish, typically in late September or early October depending on your location and growing season. The apples should feel firm and slightly yield to gentle pressure; a ripe Belmac will separate easily from the branch with a slight upward twist. Pick promptly at peak ripeness to ensure the longest possible storage life; apples left too long on the tree lose their keeping ability.
Prune Belmac in late winter while dormant to establish an open-centered framework that allows sunlight and air circulation into the canopy, which helps prevent the very diseases this variety resists. Remove any crossing or rubbing branches, dead wood, and inward-growing shoots. Light summer pruning can improve air flow around developing fruit, but avoid heavy pruning during the growing season, which can reduce the coming year's harvest.
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“Belmac emerged from the apple breeding program at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Quebec, where Dr. Shahrokh Khanizadeh developed this cultivar as a response to the specific challenges of northern growing regions. Introduced in 1996, it represents a deliberate crossing strategy designed to combine the beloved MacIntosh flavor profile with disease resistance and cold hardiness that earlier heirlooms lacked. The variety is offered under agreement with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, reflecting its status as a modern cultivar born from institutional research rather than accidental discovery or folk preservation.”