Royal Empire Apple

Malus domestica

The original seed was a cross between the varieties McIntosh and Red Delicious. Distinctly redder than fruit from standard Empire, with 90% of the surface covered with dark purplish and red stripes. Apples are red, juicy, firm, crunchy and sweet. Some resistance to mildew, fire blight and rust.

Current Sale Size: 3/4" caliper, 5-6 ft. bare-root transplant

Rootstock: EMLA-111. Produces a vigorous semi-dwarf tree that are well anchored, resistant to collar rot and woolly aphids. A good selection for heavy, poorly drained soils.

Apple Pollination Chart (PDF): early season bloom
NOTE: Apples need at least two trees of different varieties for pollination.

Maturity Harvest Chart (PDF) - September-October

Growth Rate: Moderate (6-12”/yr.)

Soils: Sand, Loam

Moisture: Dry to Moist

Shade Tolerance: Full Sun

Mature Height: 12-15 ft.

Deer Damage Potential: High

ACN Nursery: "Discovered at Teeple Farms in Wolcott, New York, Royal® Empire is an early-coloring strain of the original Empire. This selection colors to a deep scarlet red with a faint stripe and matures with Empire. Royal® Empire is equivalent in every aspect to the original Empire, but provides improved coloring. Tree vigor is stronger than other Empire strains, consequently producing a larger count Empire."