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Apple 'Gala'

15-Gallon, Semi-Dwarf

Height: 12-15 feet tall.
Spread: 10-12 feet.
Sunlight: Full sun.
Hardiness Zone: 5a.
Other Names: Malus domestica 'Gala'

Description:
A widely popular apple variety known for its crisp texture, mild sweetness, and attractive red-orange striped skin. 'Gala' apples are medium-sized and perfect for fresh eating, offering a juicy and aromatic flavor. This reliable semi-dwarf tree is highly productive and an excellent choice for home orchards, ripening in early to mid-fall.

Edible Qualities:
Apple 'Gala' is prized for its crunchy, sweet flesh with a hint of floral notes. It is a versatile variety that holds up well in storage and retains its crisp texture when refrigerated.

The fruit is most often used in the following ways:
- Fresh Eating
- Salads
- Baking
- Juicing
- Sauces

Features & Attributes:
Apple 'Gala' features lush green foliage in summer, followed by fragrant white blossoms in spring that attract pollinators. Its fruit ripens early in the season, showcasing a striking red-and-yellow skin and firm, juicy flesh.

This is a deciduous tree with a naturally upright and spreading growth habit. It is known for its consistent yields and adaptability, making it an excellent choice for home orchards.

Aside from its primary use as an edible, Apple 'Gala' is suitable for the following landscape applications:
- Orchard/Edible Landscaping
- Home Gardens

Planting & Growing:
Apple 'Gala' will grow to be about 12-15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10-12 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3-4 feet from the ground. It grows at a medium rate and, under ideal conditions, can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It requires cross-pollination with another apple variety for optimal fruit production. Regular watering during dry periods and annual pruning help maintain shape and encourage better fruiting. A layer of mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Additional Characteristics:
- Early Season Ripening
- Pollination Required
- High-Yielding
- Long Storage Life
- Fragrant Blossoms