Cultivar: Empire
Origin: Developed in 1966 by the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York, by crossing a Red Delicious with a McIntosh.
Tree Characteristics:
- Vigorous and productive
- Moderately resistant to fire blight and cedar apple rust
- Susceptible to powdery mildew
Fruit Characteristics:
- Large, round and slightly conical in shape
- Bright red colour over a yellow background
- Crisp and juicy, with a sweet and slightly tart flavour
- Good for both fresh eating and cooking
Harvest: Mid to late season, typically in September or October.
Growing Region: Adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions but performs best in cool climates with moderate summers. Cold hardy and well-suited to the northern regions of North America.
Culture:
- Requires cross-pollination for good fruit set
- Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and size
Pest and Disease:
- Susceptible to fire blight, cedar apple rust, and powdery mildew
- Regular spray program is important for the control
Conclusion: Empire is a popular apple cultivar known for its large size, bright red colour and sweet-tart flavour. It is a versatile apple that can be used for both fresh eating and cooking. It is a vigorous and productive tree that is well-suited to cool climates and performs well in northern regions of North America.