Bare root fruit trees are available for pickup at the farm in April 2026. No shipping available.
USDA Zone: 4–7
Mature Height/Rootstock: M.7, 10–14' or 50–60% of Standard; Semi-Dwarf
Bloom Group: 3, Mid Season
Ripening Time: Mid–Late September
Pollination: Required
Bare Root Size: 6-7' Tall or ⅝" Caliper
Empire apples are a classic American variety developed in New York as a cross between McIntosh and Red Delicious, combining the best traits of both parents. Known for their reliability, cold hardiness, and excellent eating quality, Empire apples have become a staple in home orchards and commercial plantings across northern growing regions.
Empire apples offer a perfect balance of sweetness and mild tartness, with a clean, refreshing flavor and aromatic notes inherited from McIntosh. The flesh is firm, crisp, and juicy, making them ideal for fresh eating while still tender enough for cooking and baking.
Empire is a true all-purpose apple. It excels in fresh eating, baking, sauces, salads, and cooking. Its balanced flavor profile makes it excellent for pies, crisps, and applesauce, while its attractive red color and crisp texture make it perfect for slicing and snacking. Empire also stores well, maintaining quality for months in cold storage.
Grafted on M.7 rootstock, Empire trees produce a semi-dwarf form that is easier to manage, prune, and harvest than standard trees while still delivering strong yields. M.7 offers good anchorage, cold hardiness, and adaptability to a wide range of soils, making it an excellent choice for backyard orchards and diversified plantings.
Empire apples are ideal for families who want dependable production, great flavor, and versatile use from a single tree. Whether for fresh snacks, school lunches, fall baking, or winter storage, Empire delivers consistent quality year after year.
Classic Flavor: Balanced sweet-tart with crisp texture
Highly Versatile: Fresh eating, baking, cooking, and sauces
Excellent Storage: Keeps well for extended enjoyment
Manageable Tree Size: Semi-dwarf growth on M.7 rootstock
Reliable Producer: Consistent crops and strong orchard performance
Enjoy the timeless flavor and dependable performance of Empire apples—a true orchard classic perfectly suited for home growing and family harvest traditions.
Bare root fruit trees are available for pickup at the farm in April 2026. No shipping available.
USDA Zone: 4–7
Mature Height/Rootstock: M.7, 10–14' or 50–60% of Standard; Semi-Dwarf
Bloom Group: 3, Mid Season
Ripening Time: Mid–Late September
Pollination: Required
Bare Root Size: 6-7' Tall or ⅝" Caliper
Empire apples are a classic American variety developed in New York as a cross between McIntosh and Red Delicious, combining the best traits of both parents. Known for their reliability, cold hardiness, and excellent eating quality, Empire apples have become a staple in home orchards and commercial plantings across northern growing regions.
Empire apples offer a perfect balance of sweetness and mild tartness, with a clean, refreshing flavor and aromatic notes inherited from McIntosh. The flesh is firm, crisp, and juicy, making them ideal for fresh eating while still tender enough for cooking and baking.
Empire is a true all-purpose apple. It excels in fresh eating, baking, sauces, salads, and cooking. Its balanced flavor profile makes it excellent for pies, crisps, and applesauce, while its attractive red color and crisp texture make it perfect for slicing and snacking. Empire also stores well, maintaining quality for months in cold storage.
Grafted on M.7 rootstock, Empire trees produce a semi-dwarf form that is easier to manage, prune, and harvest than standard trees while still delivering strong yields. M.7 offers good anchorage, cold hardiness, and adaptability to a wide range of soils, making it an excellent choice for backyard orchards and diversified plantings.
Empire apples are ideal for families who want dependable production, great flavor, and versatile use from a single tree. Whether for fresh snacks, school lunches, fall baking, or winter storage, Empire delivers consistent quality year after year.
Classic Flavor: Balanced sweet-tart with crisp texture
Highly Versatile: Fresh eating, baking, cooking, and sauces
Excellent Storage: Keeps well for extended enjoyment
Manageable Tree Size: Semi-dwarf growth on M.7 rootstock
Reliable Producer: Consistent crops and strong orchard performance
Enjoy the timeless flavor and dependable performance of Empire apples—a true orchard classic perfectly suited for home growing and family harvest traditions.
Photo: Roots to Fruits Nursery
