Royal Empire Apple
The Royal Empire Apple (REA) is a sport of the popular Empire Apple. First discovered in 1992, this sport has grown to dominate the Empire market. Patented as a Teeple Red Empire- it displays similar traits to its parent. The skin, however, is much redder and more consistently achieves better grades of fruit than its parent. The REA achieves nearly 100% red coverage of the apple and it is this coloration that helped it grow in popularity among consumers. This redder color makes it excellent in salads and cold dishes.
It tends to be pollinated by early to mid season bloomers but is one of the earliest bloomers itself. However, it is a late dropping apple in the Midwest. This apple makes a great caramel apple when other red apples have past their prime. Check out more information about this apple here!
USDA Zone: 4-7
Mature Heights:
M.7 Double Leader: ~12-15' or 60% of Standard; Semi-dwarf
M.111: ~18-21' or 85% of Standard; Semi-Dwarf
Sun: Full Sun
Bloom Group: 2, Early Mid Season
Ripening Time: Late October
Pollination: Required