Stepover trees are used primarily for edging a border or pathway or to divide the kitche/vegetable garden. These very tiny trees are just 18” in height with two side laterals from the main stem forming a capital ‘T’ shape. The stepover tree is an ormamental addition to your garden and these trees are grown on the smallest avaailable rootstock, M27. Plant 120-150cm’s apart
Empire is an American apple, and very popular there. Raised 1945. Sometimes seen for sale in supermarkets here, a very handsome deeply lacquered red apple.
Empire Apple tree – Season:
Pick from the tree in early-mid Octrober; will store until January or longer.
Empire Apple - appearance:
A moderately sized handsome apple almost entirely covered by a dark wine red shiny flush.
Empire apple trees – flavour:
Very sweet, mild, vinous. Juicy texture crisp at first, becomes softer.
Uses:
A classic dessert apple.
Cropping & Growth
Medium vigour, heavily cropping.
Empire - Pollination: ‘B’ Pollination group, so use varieties with the same or adjacent pollinating prefixes. Some suggested varieties are listed as follows:
Discovery
Elstar
Bountiful
Adams Pearmain
Arthur Turner
Alkmene