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Gala Apple Malus domestica 'Gala'

Other Common Name(s):

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

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.   

More information on Malus domestica.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#full sun tolerant#white flowers#pink flowers#edible fruits
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#full sun tolerant#white flowers#pink flowers#edible fruits
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Edible
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Theme:
    Edible Garden
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies