Gala Apple Tree

Gala is a crisp, sweet dessert apple with a yellow background and pinkish-orange striping. Its harvest and fruit color vary with local conditions and strain, so use local maturity cues rather than a fixed calendar date. ## Fruit and season [Washington State University’s Gala profile](https://treefruit.wsu.edu/variety/gala-3/) identifies Kidd’s Orange Red × Golden Delicious as its parentage and describes early harvest, crisp texture, and striped fruit. Utah State University Extension lists Gala as a mid-season bloomer and September-ripening in the Wasatch Front; timing varies with climate and site. ## Site and pollination Grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Gala needs cross-pollination from a different apple variety with overlapping bloom; two Gala trees do not pollinate one another. [Utah State University Extension’s home-orchard guide](https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/apple-production-and-variety-recommendations-for-the-utah-home-garden) explains compatible bloom timing and notes that rootstock, pruning, and growing conditions affect mature tree size. The guide also lists Gala as susceptible to fire blight, so monitor local extension advice where the disease is common. ## Maintenance Water regularly while establishing and during dry weather, avoiding persistently waterlogged soil. Prune and train according to the tree’s rootstock and chosen form. Thin crowded fruit clusters after bloom to support fruit size and return flowering; check local extension guidance for timing and pest management.