Gala Apple Tree

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6-7 ft

$150.00

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SEE HOW YOUR TREE ARRIVES

SUNLIGHT
Prefers full sunlight with at least 6–8 hours of direct sun per day.

WATER
Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all, so check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball and water when it feels dry. Water slowly and thoroughly, allowing moisture to penetrate the entire root ball and surrounding root zone rather than watering frequently and shallowly. For more in depth information, please see Watering and Sunlight section below.

IDEAL CLIMATE
Best suited for Zones 5–8. Gala Apple Trees prefer climates with distinct seasons, including enough winter chill for proper dormancy and warm, sunny growing seasons for fruit development. They perform best in full sun with well-draining soil and good air circulation.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

The Gala Apple Tree, scientifically known as Malus domestica ‘Gala’, is a popular fruit tree prized for its crisp, juicy apples with a naturally sweet flavor. This semi-dwarf apple tree produces attractive red-and-yellow fruit that is excellent for fresh eating, baking, juicing, and cooking. With beautiful spring blossoms followed by a late-summer to early-fall apple harvest, the Gala Apple Tree is an excellent choice for home orchards, edible landscapes, and backyard gardens. Plant it in full sun with a compatible apple variety nearby for cross-pollination and the best fruit production.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate growth rate. Reaches approximately 12–15 feet tall and 12–15 feet wide at maturity.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all. Weather, soil type, drainage, plant size, and planting time all affect how quickly a plant dries out.

Use a slow-running hose, soaker hose, or drip system to water the root ball and surrounding root zone thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate deeply (not just wet the top few inches of soil), and avoid frequent, shallow watering. Before watering again, check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball. If it feels dry, repeat this deep-watering process. If it feels moist or soggy, wait and check again in 1–2 days. Check the soil of newly planted trees and shrubs several times per week, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather. Irrigation run times will vary based on flow rate, soil, and system setup.

Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.

Gala Apple Trees grow and produce fruit best in full sun with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose an open planting location away from taller trees and structures that create significant shade, as abundant sunlight and good air circulation support healthier growth and better fruit production.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING
Prune your Gala Apple Tree during late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant. Remove dead, damaged, diseased, crossing, or inward-growing branches and maintain an open canopy that allows sunlight and air to reach the interior of the tree. Regular apple tree pruning helps maintain a manageable shape and encourages healthy flowering and fruit production.

FERTILIZING
Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish. Once established, Gala Apple Trees can be fertilized in spring with a balanced fertilizer or a fertilizer formulated for fruit trees when needed. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage vigorous leafy growth at the expense of flowers and fruit, and avoid fertilizing in fall or winter.

WINTER PROTECTION
Established Gala Apple Trees are cold hardy throughout USDA Zones 5–8 and typically require little winter protection when planted within their recommended growing range. Applying a 2–3 inch layer of mulch over the root zone can help insulate roots and regulate soil moisture, but keep mulch several inches away from the trunk. Young apple trees may also benefit from trunk protection in areas prone to winter sunscald, rodent damage, or severe temperature fluctuations.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Choose a location for your Gala Apple Tree that receives at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily and has well-draining soil with good air circulation. Dig a planting hole approximately twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball itself. Carefully remove the tree from its nursery container and loosen any circling or tightly bound roots before placing it in the hole. Position the tree so the top of the root ball sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil, keeping the graft union safely above the soil line. Backfill using the native soil removed from the planting hole rather than adding compost, peat moss, sand, or other amendments directly to the hole. Gently firm the soil to remove large air pockets, then water slowly and deeply throughout the root ball and surrounding soil. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the root zone, keeping mulch several inches away from the trunk. Space semi-dwarf Gala Apple Trees approximately 12–15 feet apart to provide adequate room for their mature canopy.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 5-8

The Gala Apple Tree grows best in USDA Zones 5–8, where winters typically provide enough cold weather for proper dormancy and fruit development. Gala apples generally require around 700 chill hours, although requirements can vary somewhat by strain and growing conditions. In warmer areas of its growing range, choose a location with good airflow and consistent soil moisture while avoiding poorly drained soil. In colder climates, planting in a sunny, protected location can help reduce exposure to harsh winter winds and late spring freezes.

Important: USDA Hardiness Zones only measure a plant's cold tolerance. They do not account for heat tolerance, humidity, rainfall, or other climate factors. Always consider your local growing conditions in addition to your USDA Zone when selecting plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does a Gala Apple Tree get?

A semi-dwarf Gala Apple Tree typically reaches approximately 12–15 feet tall and 12–15 feet wide at maturity. Regular pruning can help maintain a smaller, more manageable size for backyard gardens and home orchards.

How fast does a Gala Apple Tree grow?

Gala Apple Trees have a moderate growth rate, typically growing approximately 12–24 inches per year under good growing conditions. Growth rate can vary based on climate, soil, sunlight, watering, rootstock, and overall tree health.

Where is the best place to plant a Gala Apple Tree?

Plant your Gala Apple Tree in a location that receives full sun, or at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose well-draining soil with good air circulation and enough room for the tree’s mature canopy. Avoid low areas where water tends to collect.

How far apart should I plant Gala Apple Trees?

Space semi-dwarf Gala Apple Trees approximately 12–15 feet apart. Providing adequate spacing allows room for the mature canopy while improving sunlight exposure and air circulation around each tree.

When does a Gala Apple Tree bloom?

Gala Apple Trees typically bloom in spring, producing clusters of attractive white to pinkish-white flowers. Exact bloom timing varies depending on your grow zone, local climate, and seasonal weather.

Does a Gala Apple Tree need a pollinator?

For the best fruit production, plant a Gala Apple Tree near a compatible apple variety that blooms at the same time. Gala is not considered reliably self-pollinating enough to depend on alone for a strong crop, and cross-pollination generally improves fruit set.

What are good pollinators for a Gala Apple Tree?

Compatible apple varieties with overlapping bloom periods can pollinate Gala, including popular options such as Fuji, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Red Delicious. A compatible flowering crabapple nearby may also provide suitable pollen.

How long does it take a Gala Apple Tree to produce fruit?

A young semi-dwarf Gala Apple Tree may begin producing apples approximately 2–4 years after planting, depending on its age at planting, rootstock, growing conditions, pruning, and pollination. Fruit production generally increases as the tree matures.

When are Gala apples ready to harvest?

Gala apples generally ripen from late summer into early fall, although harvest timing varies by climate and location. Apples are ready when they develop their characteristic red-and-yellow coloring, taste sweet, and separate relatively easily from the branch with a gentle upward twist.

Can I grow a Gala Apple Tree in a container?

A young semi-dwarf Gala Apple Tree can be grown in a large container, but it will require more consistent watering, root space, and ongoing pruning than a tree planted in the ground. For long-term growth and fruit production, planting in the ground is generally preferable when space and climate allow.

More Details

*SHIPPING DETAILS

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

1 YEAR GUARANTEE

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

SHIPPING TO CALIFORNIA? HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag. Some Jumbo plants may be carefully removed from their nursery pot and burlapped to protect the rootball and ensure safe transit.
Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.