Apple, Gala #5

Apple, Gala

Latin Name: Malus domestica 'Gala'

Height: 10-15 feet
Spread: 10-15 feet
Spacing: 15-20 feet

Description

The Gala apple is a beloved variety known for its crisp texture, sweet flavor, and attractive red-orange skin streaked with yellow. This medium-sized fruit is perfect for fresh eating, baking, and making cider. Gala apples are a favorite choice for home gardeners due to their manageable size, heavy fruit production, and versatility.

Bloom and Fruit

Gala apple trees produce beautiful pink and white blossoms in spring, which attract pollinators to your garden. The fruit begins to develop in early summer, maturing to its signature sweetness by late August to early September. The apples are firm, mildly aromatic, and have a thin skin, making them ideal for fresh consumption or culinary use. Regular pruning helps maintain healthy fruit production and tree shape.

Harvest

Gala apples are ready to harvest in late summer or early fall. For the best flavor, wait until the fruit is fully mature and slightly firm to the touch. Properly harvested apples can be stored for several weeks under cool and dry conditions, making them a reliable option for homegrown fruit through the season.

Pollination Requirements

Gala apple trees are partially self-pollinating, but planting a second apple variety nearby will enhance fruit production. Recommended pollinators include Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Red Delicious. Ensure the trees are within 100 feet of each other for successful cross-pollination.

General Care

Gala apple trees thrive in full sun and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, and apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Fertilize annually with a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. Prune during late winter to remove dead or crossing branches and maintain an open canopy for improved air circulation and sunlight penetration.

With the right care and spacing, Gala apple trees will provide years of sweet, crisp, and abundant fruit to enjoy!