Malus ‘Empire’ – Apple – 7-Gallon

A 1945 introduction from the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station at Geneva, ‘Empire’ is a cross between ‘Red Delicious’ and ‘McIntosh’ and combines the best qualities of each. It is firmer and sweeter than ‘McIntosh’ and keeps longer. It has some of the sweetness of ‘Red Delicious’, with much more character. ‘Empire’ is better for baking than either of its parents. A good all purpose apple. ‘Empire’ has some resistance to mildew, fireblight and cedar apple rust, but is somewhat susceptible to apple scab. Partially self-fertile, but yields are better when planted with another variety.