Apple 'Gala' Malus domestica 'Gala'
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- MAY-lus doh-MESS-tik-a
- Description
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The Gala is a propagated apple cultivar, from the 1920s, with a mild, sweet, and sometimes slightly tart flavor. It is a popular apple 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.
All apple trees require another apple cultivar for pollination. 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.
Soil type needed is average to loamy but it responds to enriched soil with better production. Apple trees do best with a slightly acidic soil pH in the range of 5.0 to 6.8.
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 other plant problems.
VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Malus
- Species:
- domestica
- Family:
- Rosaceae
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Grafting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- New Zealand
- Wildlife Value:
- Pollinators when blooming
- 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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Edible
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12-24 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Red/Burgundy
- Fruit Type:
- Pome
- Fruit Description:
- The apple is red over a yellow background. It has a sweet-tart, but mild taste and is crispy.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- White
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Light pink to white blossoms grow in clusters.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Leathery
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Dark green, leathery foliage
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Theme:
- Edible Garden
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
