Apple 'Royal Gala'
Malus domestica 'Gala'The Apple ‘Royal Gala’ (Malus domestica ‘Royal Gala’) is a popular early-season variety known for its rich flavor, crisp bite, and beautiful red-blushed skin. Originating from New Zealand, it’s a natural cross between ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Kidd’s Orange Red’. Its creamy, aromatic flesh and low acidity make it a favorite for snacking, fruit salads, and juicing.
‘Royal Gala’ apples are medium-sized with a firm texture and consistently sweet taste. They typically ripen in late summer to early fall and store well when harvested at peak maturity. The tree itself is moderately vigorous, easy to grow, and performs well in USDA Zones 5–9, needing about 500–700 chill hours. While not self-pollinating, it benefits from companion pollinators like ‘Granny Smith’, ‘Fuji’, or ‘Red Delicious’.
In addition to being a productive fruiting tree, ‘Royal Gala’ adds beauty to the landscape with its springtime white blossoms and lush foliage. Its combination of early harvest, low maintenance, and crowd-pleasing fruit make it a top pick for backyard growers and small orchards.
Care Instructions
Planting:
Plant in full sun with well-draining, fertile soil. Space trees 12–20 feet apart depending on rootstock. Spring planting is ideal.
Watering:
Water deeply once a week. Keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruit development.
Pruning:
Prune in late winter to shape the tree and remove weak or crowded branches. Thin fruit in early summer to improve quality.
Pest Control:
Monitor for aphids, codling moths, and apple scab. Apply neem oil or organic insecticides and keep area free of fallen fruit.
Soil Tips:
Prefers slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–6.8). Enrich with compost annually and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
