Empire Apple Tree

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The Empire is a hybrid of the McIntosh and Red Delicious apple varieties, and was developed by the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in 1945. The Empire apple has sinc e become a popular commercial variety, known for its crisp texture, sweet-tart flavor, and attractive appearance. The fruit of the Empire apple is medium to large in size, and has a round or oblate shape. The skin is smooth, with a bright red color that covers a greenish-yellow background. The flesh is cream-colored, firm, and juicy, with a fine-grained texture. It has a complex flavor profile, with a balance of sweetness and tartness, and a slightly spicy undertone. It also makes excellent caramel apples. The Empire apple is a mid-season variety, typically harvested in late September to early October, and is well-suited for long-term storage. The tree is moderately vigorous and productive, with a spreading growth habit. It is cold hardy and disease-resistant (notably against Apple Cedar Rust and Fire Blight), making it a good choice for growers in northern regions. USDA Zone: 4-7 Mature Heights: B.9 ~8-10' Tall at Maturity; Dwarf M.7 ~15-17’ tall at Maturity; Semi-Dwarf Sun: Full Sun Pollination: Required Bloom Group: 3 Mid Season Harvest Dates: Mid-Late October Ships Spring 2026 Show more