Availability varies — please call or email to confirm.
syn: Gala Delicious, Kidd's Gala
Apple Gala
$50.00
Gala apples are one of the most popular global cultivars, celebrated for their sweet, mild flavor and crisp texture. Developed in New Zealand in the 1930s, they are a cross between Kidd’s Orange Red and Golden Delicious, and are ideal for fresh eating, salads, and juicing.
Flavor Profile: Mild, sweet, and slightly aromatic with faint notes of vanilla and pear.
Texture & Flesh: The flesh is creamy-yellow, dense, and crispy with a very juicy bite. It is considered a dessert apple (for fresh eating) rather than an ideal baking apple, as it softens quickly when cooked.
Appearance: Medium-sized and rounded, often with a vertical stripe or mottled orange-red blush over a yellowish-green background.
Climate & Hardiness: Grows best in temperate climates and requires a moderate winter chilling period (around 600-800 hours). Thrives in sunny, fertile, and free-draining soil.
Tree Size: Varies by rootstock. Semi-dwarf trees reach about 4-5 meters (12-15 feet), while dwarf varieties max out around 2.5-3 meters (8-10 feet).
Pollination: While partially self-fertile, yield and fruit size improve significantly when planted within 50 meters of a compatible pollination partner like Fuji, Granny Smith, or Golden Delicious.
Pruning: Regular winter pruning is required to open the canopy for airflow, reduce pest vulnerability, and stimulate spur development.
Harvest Time: Mid-season, typically ripening from late summer into early autumn (February-April in New Zealand).
Pest & Disease: Highly susceptible to fireblight, apple scab, and powdery mildew. Consistent summer watering is necessary, especially while fruit is swelling.