Empire Apple Tree
Description
About the Empire Apple Tree
Disease-resistant to fire blight and cedar apple rust, the Empire Apple Tree is a low-maintenance favorite among home growers. This productive variety yields beautiful, tasty fruit with minimal effort and thrives across a wide range of climates.
A cross between McIntosh and Red Delicious, Empire offers the crisp tang of McIntosh balanced by the sweetness of Delicious. The medium-sized apples have juicy white flesh and a well-rounded flavor, perfect for fresh eating, baking, salads, and cider.
Developed in Geneva, New York, and introduced in 1966, Empire is cold-hardy, easy to grow, and ripens in September, making it a favorite for early fall harvests.
How to Grow the Empire Apple Tree
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil. Hardy in Zones 4–7. Water consistently and prune annually to maintain shape and encourage strong fruiting. Pollinator required — see recommended varieties below for best results.
With strong disease resistance, wide adaptability, and exceptional flavor, Empire continues to be a trusted favorite for home growers.
A licensed variety of Cornell University.
Survival Guaranteed!
Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will send you a free one-time replacement, with a nominal shipping fee of $9.99. If the item in question is not available, we can issue a one-time credit to your account equaling the original product purchase price or issue you a refund. Read more about our warranty policy.
Characteristics
| Bloom Color | White |
| Bloom Time | Early |
| Chill Hours | 600 - 800 |
| Fruit Color | Red |
| Fruit Size | Medium |
| Hardiness Zone Range | 4 - 7 |
| Pollination | Pollinator Required |
| Ripens/Harvest | September |
| Shade/Sun | Full Sun |
| Soil Composition | Loamy |
| Soil Moisture | Well Drained |
| Soil pH Level | 6.0 - 7.0 |
| Taste | Sweet |
| Texture | Firm |
| Years to Bear | 2 - 5 |
Size & Spacing
Mature Size
| Semi-Dwarf | 12 - 15' tall x 12 - 15' wide |
| Dwarf | 8 - 10' tall x 8 - 10' wide |
Recommended Spacing
| Semi-Dwarf | 12 - 15' |
| Dwarf | 8 - 10' |
Zone Compatibility
Pollination
Tools & Supplies
Planting & Care
Learn all about how to grow apple trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.
Shipping Information
Arrives when it's time to plant
Questions & Answers
Thank you for your question! Yes, Empire and WineCrisp™ will cross-pollinate.
Yes it is. It is hearty at the stem and therefore can keep such wilting at bay
If you have a dwarf they have shallow roots and should be staked regardless of the apple variety you have . Semi dwarf have deeper root systems but I’d recommend staking for the first few years till well established.
Unfortunatley no the Empire will not pollinate with either of those trees as Empire is an early season bloomer and the other variaties are Mid season bloomers.
I purchased an empire and pristine in 2020. In 2022 the pristine had numerous apples. The empire didnot flower but is growing nicely
Generally with apples one needs two different subtypes as apples will not self pollinate. One needs to have two subtypes that flower at the same time so the bees can transfer pollen. Crab apples are good pollinators. My experience is that crab apple flowers last longer and there are usually more flowers.
Unfortunatley we can offer a specific rootstock or special order. Our growers choose the best rootstock for desired results.
That will depend upon which option you choose. Please see the "Choose an option" dropdown menu near the top of the page, which will show you the various sizes/options that are available.
Mine is semi dwarf and is slow growing
Customer Reviews
Do not like having a letter limit on reviews
Cedar rust resistant
Disease resistant
Good eating and baking
pollinator or Lodi