Gala Apple

Gala Apple is a popular fresh-eating variety known for crisp texture, aromatic sweetness, and yellow skin heavily striped or blushed red. It needs pollen from a compatible apple that flowers at the same time; Granny Smith is a commonly used partner where their bloom overlaps. Gala has a higher chill requirement than Anna and Dorsett Golden, so production in warm-winter sites may vary from year to year. The rootstock is not listed and must be confirmed before publishing a precise mature size. Available for local pickup from Towns Edge Nursery.

Plant details

• Botanical name: Malus domestica 'Gala'
• Sun: Full sun
• USDA zones: 4–9
• Mature size: Rootstock-dependent; commonly 10–25 ft tall × Rootstock-dependent; commonly 10–20 ft wide
• Chill requirement: Moderate; often listed around 500–600 hours, with strain and source variation
• Pollination: Requires a compatible apple blooming at the same time; Granny Smith is commonly compatible
• Bloom: Mid-spring
• Harvest: Late summer to early fall; timing varies with climate
• Fruit: Crisp, aromatic, sweet apples with yellow skin heavily striped or blushed red
• Water: Regular moisture while establishing and during fruit development; well-drained soil
• Growth habit: Deciduous grafted fruit tree; mature size depends on rootstock
• Pruning and training: Train to a central leader; prune while dormant and thin fruit clusters
• Uses: Home orchard, edible landscape, fresh eating, baking
• Wildlife value: Flowers support pollinators; fruit attracts wildlife

Plant size, harvest timing and performance vary with climate, rootstock where applicable, soil, pruning and care.