Empire Apple is a semi-dwarf fruiting deciduous tree with a long harvest that starts in September producing firm but sweet deep red apples. It has a mid bloom season of white flowers. Fruits best in full sun and loamy well-drained, slightly acidic soils. Empire requires a pollinator; common pairs include Gold or Red Delicious or Gala.
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Type:
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Tree
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Origins:
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M. 'Red Delicious' x' M. 'McIntosh'
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Height:
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12' - 15'
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Spread:
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12’ - 15'
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Spacing:
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12'
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USDA Hardiness Zone:
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3 - 8
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Culture:
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Full Sun
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Bloom Color:
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White
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Season of Interest:
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Spring, Fall
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MAINTENANCE NEEDS: High Maintenance. Water Regularly. Potential issues include apple scab, cedar apple rust, fire blight, leaf spot and and powdery mildew. Possible pests are aphids, maggots, boreres, and spider mites. Most commercially available Apples are grafted onto their rootstock, resulting in dwarf (8-10ft), Semi-dwarf (12-15ft) or standard tree heights all with full sized fruits. Ask the provider the rootstock classification for estimated size. Dwarf stock is easier to maintain and produces fruit at an earlier age.
LANDSCAPE USES: Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Wildlife Gardens, Shade Tree, Edible Garden, and Container.
COMPANION PLANTS: Apple, Shasta Daisy, Bugleweed
IMAGES: English: National Fruit Collection, Brogdale., Empire on tree, National Fruit Collection (acc. 1962-041), (2) English: National Fruit Collection, Brogdale., Cross section of Empire, National Fruit Collection (acc. 1962-041), (3) bluebike, Empires!, (4) Samantha Forsberg, Apple
* As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.
