Apple
Empire Pollination Guide
Empire requires a compatible pollination partner to produce fruit.
Without a different compatible variety nearby, Empire will bloom but won't set fruit. You need at least one partner variety planted within 50–100 feet. Choose from the compatible varieties listed below — they bloom at the right time and have compatible genetics.
Empire Quick Facts
Chill Hours
800 hours
Hardiness Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Harvest
Mid-September
Bloom Time
late season
Planning Your Orchard
For reliable Empire crops, plant at least one compatible apple variety within 50–100 feet. Choose a partner from the same pollination group (4) or an adjacent group (3–5). Golden Delicious is an excellent universal pollinator. Crabapples also work well if bloom times overlap. Space trees 15–25 feet apart for standard rootstock, or 8–12 feet for dwarf.
Keep a record of every tree you plant — variety, rootstock, location.
Start your free tree log →Compatible Pollination Partners
Can I Grow Empire?
Check if your climate has enough chill hours for Empire. Enter your zip code for an instant answer.
Check your zip code →Interactive Pollination Checker
Compare pollination compatibility across all 60+ fruit tree varieties in our database.
Open checker →Most people forget within a year.
Which pairs fruited well, what bloomed when, what you did each season — write it down from the start.
Free for up to 30 plants. No card needed.
About Empire
Empire is a McIntosh × Red Delicious cross that improves on both parents — crisper than Mac, more flavorful than Red Delicious. It's a cold-hardy favorite in the Northeast and Great Lakes region.
Growing Challenges
Smaller fruit size than supermarket apples; prone to pre-harvest drop if not picked promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pollinator for Empire?
The best pollinators for Empire are varieties in pollination group 4 or adjacent groups that bloom at the same time. Top choices include Arkansas Black, Braeburn, Cortland. Golden Delicious is also an excellent universal pollinator for most apple varieties.
Can a crabapple pollinate Empire?
Yes, crabapples are excellent pollinators for Empire as long as their bloom times overlap. Ornamental crabapples produce abundant pollen and are a great option if you want a pollinator that also adds spring beauty to your landscape.
How close does a pollinator need to be to Empire?
For reliable pollination, plant the partner variety within 50–100 feet of Empire. Bees are the primary pollinators and typically work within this range. In practice, a tree in your yard or even a neighbor's nearby tree can work. The closer the trees, the more consistent the fruit set.
Can I grow just one Empire tree?
No — Empire requires a compatible pollination partner to produce fruit. Without a second tree of a different variety nearby, it will bloom but won't set fruit.
Other Apple Varieties
Anna
200 chill hrs · Zones 8–10
Arkansas Black
800 chill hrs · Zones 5–9
Braeburn
700 chill hrs · Zones 5–9
Cortland
800 chill hrs · Zones 3–7
Cosmic Crisp
800 chill hrs · Zones 5–8
Dorsett Golden
100 chill hrs · Zones 8–10
Fuji
400 chill hrs · Zones 5–9
Gala
500 chill hrs · Zones 4–9
Golden Delicious
700 chill hrs · Zones 4–8
Granny Smith
400 chill hrs · Zones 5–9
Gravenstein
700 chill hrs · Zones 4–8
Honeycrisp
800 chill hrs · Zones 3–8
Jonagold
700 chill hrs · Zones 5–8
Liberty
800 chill hrs · Zones 4–8
McIntosh
900 chill hrs · Zones 3–7
Pink Lady (Cripps)
400 chill hrs · Zones 5–9
Red Delicious
700 chill hrs · Zones 4–8
Winesap
800 chill hrs · Zones 5–8
Related Tools
Pollination Checker
Interactive tool to find compatible pollination partners for any fruit tree.
Can I Grow Empire?
Check if your zip code has enough chill hours for this variety.
Chill Hour Checker
Validate chill hours for any fruit tree variety by zip code.
Frost Date Finder
Find your first and last frost dates to plan bloom protection.
Pollination data compiled from university extension services, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) pollination group charts, RosBREED cherry S-allele research, and nursery compatibility guides. Pollination compatibility can vary by region and microclimate. For best results, consult your local extension office.