Royal Gala Apple

Malus x domestica ‘Royal Gala’

Description & Overview

Royal Gala apple is a sport (mutation) of Gala apple that was selected for its darker red skin color. Like all strains of Gala, the skin is slightly striped. Gala originated in New Zealand in the early 20th century from a cross of ‘Golden Delicious’ x ‘Kidd’s Orange’ developed by J.H. Kidd. Royal Gala ripens in mid-September in S.E. Wisconsin.

Core Characteristics

Suggested Uses:

We offer this variety on M7 rootstock which is semi-dwarf and free-standing.

Wildlife Value:

Apple trees are relished by deer, numerous small mammals, and insects. Deer and numerous other small mammals love apples. Care must be taken when starting with a small tree to provide deer protection around it until it is tall enough by wrapping with chicken wire or other sort of fencing over the winter. While deer love to eat the fruit, they are also fond of eating young apple trees either during the winter when dormant or just the succulent new growth in late spring. Anything 4′ and shorter is their preferred target area.

Maintenance Tips:

All Gala apple strains are noted for their ease in growing and their easy to prune form that is ideal for the home orchardist. Find more information on Training & Pruning Fruit Trees.

Pests/Problems:

This variety is very susceptible to apple scab. Apples are prone to many insect and disease issues. Preventative spraying or growing the fruit in bags (organic) is suggested to obtain a quality fruit crop. Find a spraying guide and more information on Best Pesticides For The Home Orchardist.

Leaf Lore:

According to the U.S. Apple Association, Gala apple is in the top 10 apple varieties now grown by volume in the U.S.

Companion Plants:

Royal Gala Apple must be cross-pollinated with a crabapple or different apple variety to produce fruit.

ROYAL GALA APPLE BENCHCARD