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Apple 'Empire'

7-Gallon, Semi-Dwarf

Height: 12-15 feet tall.
Spread: 10-12 feet.
Sunlight: Full sun.
Hardiness Zone: 4a.
Other Names: Malus domestica 'Empire'

Description:
A popular hybrid apple variety known for its crisp texture, deep red skin, and well-balanced sweet-tart flavor. 'Empire' apples are a cross between 'McIntosh' and 'Red Delicious,' combining the best qualities of both. This semi-dwarf tree is highly productive, cold-hardy, and an excellent choice for home orchards due to its disease resistance and reliable yields.

Edible Qualities:
Apple 'Empire' is prized for its firm, juicy flesh and refreshing sweetness with a hint of tartness. It holds its shape well in storage and remains crisp long after harvest.

The fruit is most often used in the following ways:
- Fresh Eating
- Salads
- Baking
- Cider Making
- Storage

Features & Attributes:
Apple 'Empire' features lush green foliage throughout the growing season, with fragrant white blossoms in spring that attract pollinators. Its medium-sized, bright red apples ripen in mid to late fall, offering a long harvest window and excellent shelf life.

This is a deciduous tree with an upright, spreading growth habit. It is disease-resistant and well-suited for various climates, making it a low-maintenance and reliable variety.

Aside from its primary use as an edible, Apple 'Empire' is suitable for the following landscape applications:
- Orchard/Edible Landscaping
- Home Gardens

Planting & Growing:
Apple 'Empire' will grow to be about 12-15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10-12 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3-4 feet from the ground. It grows at a medium rate and, under ideal conditions, can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It requires cross-pollination with another apple variety for optimal fruit production. Regular watering during dry periods and annual pruning help maintain shape and encourage better fruiting. A layer of mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Additional Characteristics:
- Mid to Late Season Ripening
- Pollination Required
- Long Storage Life
- Cold Hardy
- High-Yielding