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Apple 'Gala' Malus domestica 'Gala'

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
MAY-lus doh-MESS-tik-a
Description

The Gala is a propagated apple cultivar, a cross between Kidd’s Orange Red and Golden Delicious, that originated in New Zealand in the 1920s. It came to the United States in the early 1970's and its mild, sweet, and slightly tart flavor made it a popular choice. Gala apples are ideal for fresh eating, salads, and cooking. It is semi-dwarf, meaning its height reaches about 12 to 15 feet at maturity. A dwarf variety is also available with a height of 8 to 10 feet. The Royal Gala strain was named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II, who deemed it her favorite during a visit to New Zealand.

Galas can vary in color, from cream to red- and yellow-striped. Galas are harvested beginning in mid-July and are typically available year round.

Dwarf rootstock trees, such as Gala, need another variety of apple tree to facilitate pollination and fruit production. Most any variety will work if the bloom periods overlap adequately. Check the bloom times for your area for all options considered. The crabapple is often suggested due to its long bloom time. For the Gala specifically, the Fuji or the red or yellow delicious apple trees are good bloom matches. 

Semi-dwarf or dwarf trees also need slightly more enriched, well-drained loamy soil that holds moisture and is slightly acidic, with a PH in the 6.0 to 6.5 range. Generally, the more dwarf the rootstock, the greater the need for soil fertility. Gala apple trees tolerate average garden soils, but avoid unamended heavy clay soils that waterlog easily and drain poorly.

Gala fruit production will respond best to full sun and air movement around the tree and through its branches. It is not recommended to place the tree near taller trees or structures that would shade it for a few hours each day. In summary, air movement, sunlight, and good soil and drainage all lead to a healthy, productive tree.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common apple and crab apple diseases and another factsheet on planting and care of apple trees.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Gala is susceptible to Scab and Powdery Mildew, as are most apple trees, along with a number of other diseases and insects such as aphids.

More information on Malus domestica.

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Tags:
#deciduous#full sun tolerant#white flowers#pink flowers#flowering tree#fruit tree#edible fruits#pomes#cultivar
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#full sun tolerant#white flowers#pink flowers#flowering tree#fruit tree#edible fruits#pomes#cultivar
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Malus
    Species:
    domestica
    Family:
    Rosaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    In addition to the fruit, cider is another profitable byproduct.
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Grafting
    Wildlife Value:
    Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers; small mammals and deer will eat dropped fruit.
    Edibility:
    Gala apple is sweet and aromatic with a fine texture of flesh. It is great for cooking, making salad and sauces.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 12 ft. 0 in. - 14 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 12 ft. 0 in. - 14 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Edible
    Perennial
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Erect
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    High
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12-24 feet
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Pome
    Fruit Length:
    > 3 inches
    Fruit Width:
    > 3 inches
    Fruit Description:
    The apple is red over a yellow background. It has a sweet-tart, but mild taste and is crispy.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Cyme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Cup
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    The flower starts with a pink outer petal tint and then opens to a white bloom in April. The blooms grow in clusters at the ends of stems.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Leathery
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Dark green, leathery foliage.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Light Gray
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Landscape Theme:
    Edible Garden
    Design Feature:
    Flowering Tree
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Hummingbirds
    Pollinators