Apple Tree Gala - Malus domestica

Malus domestica Gala is a very poular variety. It is easy to grow in all regions. It is a fairly vigorous and highly productive variety, with quick fruiting on a tree that branches easily. The Gala apple is a round-shaped fruit, of medium size, with striped red and yellow skin. Its crisp flesh is firm, juicy, sweet, and aromatic, with hints of banana and pear. In September, the fruits can be consumed immediately after harvesting and can be stored for several weeks. With a high sugar content, it is a refreshing apple to bite into. Excellent in pies, compotes, or sautéed, the Gala apple is also greatly appreciated in savoury recipes. It is a self-sterile variety (triploid) that requires the presence of other apple varieties to improve pollination.

Malus domestica, also scientifically known as Malus communis or Malus pumila, is the Common or Domestic Apple Tree. It belongs to the Rosaceae family. Present in Europe since ancient times, it is a fruit tree native to the forests of Central Asia. It has excellent hardiness and is probably the most cultivated fruit tree in Northern Europe. There are approximately 20,000 varieties, including around 10,000 of American origin, 2,000 of English origin, and 2,000 of Chinese origin. The Gala Apple is a variety created in New Zealand by J.H. Kidds in 1920. It is the result of several cross-breedings: Cox Orange x Red Delicious, which resulted in Kidd's Orange Red, crossed with Golden Delicious to obtain Gala.

There are several mutants of the Gala apple, often selected for their more pronounced red colouration, such as Royal Gala®, Delbard Gala®, Gala Star®, Galaval or Jugala, Mondial Gala® and Galaxy Gala.

Elegant, the Gala Apple Tree has a semi-erect habit, which branches well. Its foliage consists of large, ovate, green-brown leaves on the upper side and white-green on the lower side, deeply dentate. The mid-early flowering occurs in April, which usually protects it from frost. The apple tree is therefore suitable for cultivation in all regions. The flowers are destroyed by frost from -2 to -3°C. It is a triploid variety which, despite its vigour, produces poor quality pollen, making it very weakly capable of pollinating other apple varieties. It produces apples with few or no fertile seeds. It is said to be self-sterile, which is why the presence of apple trees that flower at the same time is necessary.  The varieties Belchard®, Elstar, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Melrose and Reine des Reinettes are suitable for cross-pollination. Ornamental apple trees, such as Perpetu Evereste and  John Downie flower abundantly and can be excellent pollinators.

The Gala Apple Tree is a fairly vigorous variety, with quick fruiting, highly productive, with low biennial bearing, meaning it produces abundantly every year. The fruiting, uniform and abundant, begins in early September. The apple can be consumed raw or cooked, in compotes, pastries, paired with cheeses, or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes, with black pudding, pork, or in salads. It is also perfect for making juice. Easy to consume, the apple provides a great feeling of satiety. Rich in carbohydrates and fructose, it is invigorating, energising, and rehydrating. Its content of vitamins A, B, C, and E, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre makes the apple a health asset. The fruits can be stored for part of the winter. Storage can be done in a cool, clean place, protected from light at a temperature around 8 to 10°C or in a cold room, sealed from outside air at a temperature of 1 to 3°C. The apple releases ethylene, a gas that promotes fruit ripening. To accelerate the ripening of your other fruits or vegetables, place your apples next to them.

Very popular thanks to its fruit, the apple tree finds its place in the garden for the enjoyment of young and old alike. Among a wide range of apple trees , it is easy to find the variety that best suits your taste.