Apple (Malus domestica) GALA

Originally from New Zealand, the 'Gala' apple tree is the result of a cross between 'Kidd's Orange Red' and 'Golden Delicious'. This globally popular variety is characterized by its attractive fruit, sweet taste and excellent shelf life. Growing on the M26 rootstock brings advantages such as slower growth, early fruiting and better control of tree shape.

The tree grows weakly to moderately vigorously, resulting in a compact growth suitable for intensive plantings, gardens and smaller orchards. Thanks to the M26 rootstock, the tree achieves high fertility and early fruit set, but requires support, especially in the first few years of cultivation. The crown is medium dense and easy to shape, ideal for a slender spindle.

The fruits are medium-sized, spherical to slightly elongated, with an average weight of 120-150 g. The skin has a yellow base that is almost completely covered with red marbling and stripes. The flesh is creamy, soft, juicy and crunchy. The taste is sweet, aromatic and pleasantly mild, making the fruit ideal for direct consumption.

It is ready to harvest at the end of September or beginning of October and is ready to eat from December. The fruit can be stored well and will keep fresh until March under the right conditions.

The variety requires a sunny and warm location, ideally facing south, with moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. The M26 rootstock is suitable for intensive cultivation and the tree is well adapted to smaller areas.

A pollinator such as 'Golden Delicious', 'Elstar', 'Jonagold' or 'James Grieve' is required to achieve high yields.

This variety is not only suitable for direct consumption, but also for processing into juices, compotes or desserts. The apple tree 'Gala' on rootstock M26 is a good preparation for gardeners who are looking for a fruitful, compact and aesthetic variety with excellent fruit.