Gala Apple
For sale in Lawrenceville, GA
- Moderate (1-2 ft/year)
- Full Sun
- Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8a
- Georgia grown & ready to plant
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About Gala Apple
Gala Apple is one of the most popular fresh-eating apple varieties grown, valued for its crisp texture, sweet flavor, and reddish-orange striped skin, and it ripens relatively early for an apple, typically in August, making it one of the first apple harvests of the season in a Georgia home orchard. Like nearly all apple varieties, Gala is not self-fruitful and requires a second, different apple variety with an overlapping bloom time, such as Fuji or Arkansas Black, planted within about 50 feet for successful cross-pollination and fruit set. It grows moderately to 12-15 feet tall and performs best in full sun with well-drained soil; Georgia's cooler upland Piedmont areas generally suit apples better than the hottest lowland sites, since inadequate winter chilling can reduce fruit quality for some varieties. Annual pruning to an open canopy shape improves light penetration, fruit size, and helps manage the fungal disease pressure common in the Southeast's humid summers.
🚚 Delivery available to Lawrenceville and all of Gwinnett County — see our service area for exact timing.
Plant Specifications
| Mature Height | 12-15 ft |
|---|---|
| Mature Width | 10-12 ft |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| Water Needs | Moderate — consistent moisture, especially in the first few years |
| Bloom Season | Mid Spring flowers, Late Summer fruit (August harvest) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate (1-2 ft/year) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8a |
| Deer Resistant | No |
| Pet Safe | Check with a vet |
| Native to Georgia | No |
Planting Instructions & Regional Tips
Plant Gala Apple in full sun in well-drained soil, and plant a second compatible apple variety such as Fuji within about 50 feet for necessary cross-pollination. Prune annually in late winter to maintain an open canopy for airflow and light penetration. Thin developing fruit for better size, and expect harvest in August, earlier than most other apple varieties. Check soil moisture regularly through the growing season, since Georgia's summer heat can dry out beds faster than expected, and inconsistent moisture is the most common cause of poor performance.
Fast Facts
- One of the most popular fresh-eating apple varieties
- Requires a second apple variety for cross-pollination
- Early harvest for an apple, typically August
- Mature size: 12-15 ft tall
- Needs full sun and good drainage
- Best in Georgia's cooler upland Piedmont areas
Pairs Well With
Gala Apple FAQs
What apple variety pollinates Gala?
Gala Apple needs a second, genetically different apple variety with an overlapping bloom period, such as Fuji or Arkansas Black, planted within about 50 feet for successful cross-pollination. Without a compatible pollinator variety nearby, a single Gala tree will produce little to no fruit.
Do deer eat Gala Apple?
Yes, Gala Apple is not considered deer resistant and can be browsed by deer, especially newly planted specimens. In Gwinnett County areas with heavy deer pressure, fencing or repellent application is worth considering until the plant is well established.