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Gala Apple Tree

$15995 $27995
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Your Plants are Guaranteed to Grow

Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If your tree arrives damaged or dies within 30 days, we'll replace it for free. If it dies after 30 days, but before 1 year, we will replace it for just 50% of the current price.

Free Shipping on All Orders

Relax... we've got you covered with free shipping on every order! We ship out so many huge plants, we've negotiated a low rate with our carriers... and we pass those savings on to you! Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!

Is Now a Good Time to Plant?

Yes! Fall is one of the best times to plant!

Landscaping experts often recommend planting in fall instead of waiting until spring. Here’s why:

  • Cooler weather puts less stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.
  • Fall soil is still warm, which helps roots grow and get established.
  • Cooler temperatures mean less water is lost through the leaves, making it easier for plants to stay hydrated.
  • Even after top growth slows for winter, roots continue developing below ground.
  • Fall weather often brings more rain and less heat, making new plants easier to care for.
  • By spring, your plants already have a head start. Their established roots can support strong new leaves, branches, and flowers.
  • Trees planted in spring must establish their roots while also dealing with rising temperatures and summer heat.

Plant this fall, and your trees can spend the cooler months getting settled instead of waiting until spring to get started!

Planting your Gala Apple Tree

Gala Apple Tree (Malus domestica 'Gala') Planting Guide

1. Planting Instructions:

  • Location: Choose a sunny location where the tree will receive at least 6-8 hours of full sun per day. Gala apple trees do best in areas with good air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases. Avoid low areas where frost or cold air can settle.
  • Soil Preparation: Gala apple trees prefer well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with organic matter such as compost to improve drainage and aeration.
  • Pollination: Gala apple trees are not self-pollinating, so you’ll need a different apple variety nearby for cross-pollination (such as Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Red Delicious) to ensure good fruit set.
  • Digging the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and slightly deeper. The goal is to give the roots room to spread out easily. Loosen the soil in the bottom and sides of the hole to encourage root growth.
  • Planting: Place the tree in the hole with the graft union (the bump where the tree was grafted onto rootstock) 2-3 inches above the soil line. This prevents disease and promotes healthy growth. Backfill with native soil, firming it gently around the roots to remove air pockets.
  • Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (such as straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves) around the base of the tree, keeping it several inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Mulch helps retain moisture and control weeds.
  • Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots. Continue to water regularly as the tree establishes.

2. Care Instructions (Establishment Period):

  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the first year, watering deeply once a week. Increase watering during hot or dry periods. Deep watering encourages strong root development.
  • Fertilizing: In early spring, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) to promote healthy root and shoot growth. Avoid fertilizing too late in the growing season, as this can encourage late growth vulnerable to frost.
  • Staking: Young Gala apple trees may need to be staked for support, especially in windy areas. Tie the tree loosely to the stake to allow for movement, which promotes a stronger trunk. Remove the stake after the tree has established.
  • Monitoring: Regularly check for signs of pests or diseases like apple scab, powdery mildew, or aphids. Early detection and treatment with appropriate organic or chemical solutions can prevent damage.

3. Maintenance and Long-Term Care:

  • Pruning: Prune annually in late winter or early spring before the tree starts actively growing. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches and thin the canopy to allow sunlight and air circulation. Proper pruning encourages better fruit production and reduces the risk of disease.
  • Watering: Once established, Gala apple trees are moderately drought-tolerant but still benefit from regular deep watering during dry periods, especially while fruit is developing.
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring each year. Avoid over-fertilizing as excessive nitrogen can lead to lush foliage at the expense of fruit production.
  • Thinning: After fruit set, thin the apples in early summer so that there is about 6 inches between each fruit. This helps the tree focus its energy on fewer, but larger and healthier apples, and reduces the chance of branches breaking under the weight of too much fruit.
  • Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for pests like codling moths, apple maggots, and aphids. Use organic insecticidal soaps, traps, or neem oil to control infestations. For diseases like fire blight or apple scab, prune infected branches and use fungicides when necessary. Good airflow around the tree also helps prevent fungal issues.

4. Harvesting and Use:

  • Harvesting Time: Gala apples typically ripen from late summer to early fall (usually September). Apples are ripe when they develop a full color and come off the tree easily with a gentle twist.
  • How to Harvest: Gently twist and lift the apple from the tree. If it resists, it may not be fully ripe. Be careful not to tug or pull, as this can damage the tree or neighboring fruit.
  • Ripeness Test: Gala apples are known for their sweet, crisp flavor. To check for ripeness, cut one open and taste it. The seeds should be brown, and the flesh should be firm and juicy.
  • Storage: Store Gala apples in a cool, dry place. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. For longer storage, consider drying or freezing the apples.
  • Uses: Gala apples are delicious for fresh eating, making them great for snacks, salads, or juicing. Their crisp texture also holds up well in baking, so they are suitable for pies, tarts, and sauces.

Extra Tips for Growing Gala Apple Trees

  1. Cold Hardiness and Chill Hours: Gala apple trees thrive in USDA hardiness zones 4-9, requiring around 500-700 chill hours (below 45°F or 7°C) to produce fruit. Ensure your growing region meets these chill hour requirements for successful fruiting.
  2. Companion Planting: For better pest control and overall health, consider planting companion plants around your Gala apple tree. Plants like marigolds, garlic, and chives can help repel harmful insects, while clover and comfrey can enhance soil fertility and attract beneficial pollinators.
  3. Dealing with Frost: Late spring frosts can damage blossoms and reduce fruit yield. To protect your tree, cover it with a frost cloth or blanket if frost is expected. Alternatively, watering the base of the tree in the evening before frost can help protect the roots and surrounding soil from freezing.
  4. Cross-Pollination Considerations: While Gala apple trees need a pollination partner, ensure that the partner tree blooms around the same time. Good choices include Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith. Plant these varieties within 50 feet of each other to improve pollination success.
  5. Pest Control Timing: For pest management, timing is critical. Using pheromone traps early in the season can help monitor and control codling moths. Apply horticultural oil during dormancy (late winter) to suffocate overwintering pests like aphid eggs or mites.
  6. Preventing Fruit Drop: Sometimes apple trees drop fruit prematurely due to stress, nutrient deficiencies, or overcrowding. Regular thinning of developing fruit helps reduce competition for nutrients and water, ensuring that the tree retains and matures its crop. Make sure your tree is adequately watered and fertilized to prevent stress.
  7. Mulching for Root Health: A thick layer of mulch, applied in the spring and maintained throughout the growing season, not only conserves moisture but also regulates soil temperature and prevents weed competition. Mulch also helps prevent roots from freezing in colder climates.
  8. Sun Exposure: While full sun is important, be mindful of areas with intense, prolonged heat. In regions with scorching summers, some afternoon shade can help prevent leaf scorch and sunburn on fruit.
  9. Seasonal Adjustments: Keep a close eye on the weather and adjust your watering and fertilizing schedules accordingly. During particularly dry spells, increase watering frequency. In cooler months, ease up on fertilizing to avoid promoting growth too late in the season.
  10. Training Young Trees: Encourage a strong structure for your young tree by using a central leader pruning technique. This helps maintain a strong, upright form and supports heavy fruit loads later on.Extra Tips for Growing Gala Apple Trees
  11. Cold Hardiness and Chill Hours: Gala apple trees thrive in USDA hardiness zones 4-9, requiring around 500-700 chill hours (below 45°F or 7°C) to produce fruit. Ensure your growing region meets these chill hour requirements for successful fruiting.
  12. Companion Planting: For better pest control and overall health, consider planting companion plants around your Gala apple tree. Plants like marigolds, garlic, and chives can help repel harmful insects, while clover and comfrey can enhance soil fertility and attract beneficial pollinators.
  13. Dealing with Frost: Late spring frosts can damage blossoms and reduce fruit yield. To protect your tree, cover it with a frost cloth or blanket if frost is expected. Alternatively, watering the base of the tree in the evening before frost can help protect the roots and surrounding soil from freezing.
  14. Cross-Pollination Considerations: While Gala apple trees need a pollination partner, ensure that the partner tree blooms around the same time. Good choices include Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith. Plant these varieties within 50 feet of each other to improve pollination success.
  15. Pest Control Timing: For pest management, timing is critical. Using pheromone traps early in the season can help monitor and control codling moths. Apply horticultural oil during dormancy (late winter) to suffocate overwintering pests like aphid eggs or mites.
  16. Preventing Fruit Drop: Sometimes apple trees drop fruit prematurely due to stress, nutrient deficiencies, or overcrowding. Regular thinning of developing fruit helps reduce competition for nutrients and water, ensuring that the tree retains and matures its crop. Make sure your tree is adequately watered and fertilized to prevent stress.
  17. Mulching for Root Health: A thick layer of mulch, applied in the spring and maintained throughout the growing season, not only conserves moisture but also regulates soil temperature and prevents weed competition. Mulch also helps prevent roots from freezing in colder climates.
  18. Sun Exposure: While full sun is important, be mindful of areas with intense, prolonged heat. In regions with scorching summers, some afternoon shade can help prevent leaf scorch and sunburn on fruit.
  19. Seasonal Adjustments: Keep a close eye on the weather and adjust your watering and fertilizing schedules accordingly. During particularly dry spells, increase watering frequency. In cooler months, ease up on fertilizing to avoid promoting growth too late in the season.
  20. Training Young Trees: Encourage a strong structure for your young tree by using a central leader pruning technique. This helps maintain a strong, upright form and supports heavy fruit loads later on.
What Customers say about the Gala Apple Tree:

The Gala Apple Tree thrives in Zones 5-8

Growing Zones for the Gala Apple Tree

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Gala Apple Tree.

Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 5-8
Mature Height 10-20 ft.
Mature Width 8-10 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, CA, ID, OR, WA
Sunlight Full Sun
Botanical Name Malus domestica 'Gala'

Plants that Make a Difference

For 20+ years, our team has shipped healthy, established plants to gardeners like you- all across the country. Every plant is selected and cared for by our plant experts before it ships to your door.

  • 20+ Years Experience

  • Superior Quality

  • Free Shipping on All Orders

  • Guaranteed to Grow

Gala Apple Tree - NationwidePlants.com

Beware- not all Gala Apple Trees are the same.

Be sure to get superior fruit trees, grown by experts.

Better Roots Make Stronger Plants: Some nurseries send you "bare root" fruit trees to save on shipping. Even worse, others have started digging them right out of the ground before shipping. This causes major transplant shock and long-term damage. We send you Gala Apple Trees in soil-filled containers- ensuring a well-developed root system that is ready to grow and produce!

Healthy Plants: We've seen other nurseries grow tall fruit trees in tiny pots to save on shipping. This leads to a "root bound" tree, where the roots have outgrown their pot- they cannot absorb water and nutrients. They quickly dry out during shipment, leading to an unhealthy tree.

Gala Apple Tree - NationwidePlants.com

Gala is one of the world's most popular apples- sweet, crisp and juicy, and one of the first apples of the year.

  • Sweet, crisp apples with a mild flavor, perfect for snacking, salads and baking
  • Early harvest from late summer to early fall, usually in September
  • Needs a pollination partner like Fuji, Honeycrisp or Granny Smith- or choose a Pollination Pack
  • Needs about 500-700 chill hours and grows best in zones 5-8

Not all plants are created equal

The Difference Is in the Roots

Every plant we ship has grown in a nursery container with its roots protected, so it arrives healthy, established and ready to thrive in your yard.

A full, branched Nationwide Plants tree in a nursery pot next to a thin bare-root tree with exposed roots Ours: container grown Theirs: bare root
Nationwide Plants Other Nurseries
How it's grown Grown in a nursery container, roots protected the whole time Pulled or dug from the field, tearing fragile roots
How it arrives Arrives in its pot with soil intact Arrives bare root, exposed and drying out
Before shipping Growing naturally until it ships Held dormant in a cooler, then shocked by a hot shipping box
Root health Strong, well-developed roots with room to grow Crammed into a small pot until it's root bound
Height Measured from the top of the soil Often includes the pot and roots
After planting Settles in quickly with less transplant shock Arrives stressed and can take years to recover, if it does

The height you see is the height you plant.

We measure every plant from the top of the soil, not the bottom of the pot. Many nurseries include the pot and roots, so a "5–6 ft." tree from them might stand only 4 ft. tall once it's planted.

Comparisons reflect common practices across the online plant industry, not any single company.

Honest Measurements: Some nurseries measure trees including the pot and roots, so their "6-7 ft." tree may only be about half that size when planted. We measure all of our plants from the soil line, so the height you see is what you can expect after planting.

From our nursery to your door

How We Ship Your Plants

Every order is hand-selected, watered and carefully packed so it arrives healthy and ready to plant. Here's what happens after you place your order.

  1. Hand-Picked for You

    Our team selects the best plant available for your order. For privacy trees, that's the tallest and fullest. For fruit trees, it's the best branched.

    Why it matters: Many online nurseries ship whatever is next in the row.

  2. A Deep Drink Before the Trip

    Every plant gets a thorough watering right before it's packed, so it starts the journey fully hydrated.

  3. Roots Sealed In

    We wrap the pot and roots in plastic to lock in moisture, so your plant has water to drink all the way to your door.

    Why it matters: Bare-root plants are often shipped with their roots exposed and drying out.

  4. Braced for the Ride

    Cardboard inserts are secured inside every box to hold your plant in place, so it won't slide, tip or get damaged in transit.

  5. Shipped Only by FedEx

    We ship your trees exclusively with FedEx. We've found they deliver the fastest and handle live plants the most gently.

And if anything goes wrong, every plant is backed by our 1 Year Warranty.

Healthy Roots Make a Huge Difference

  • Never buy bare-root plants. These trees are starved of nutrients, and have a low survival rate.
  • Beware of nurseries cut corners by growing in small pots. These "rootbound" plants are weak, struggle to absorb nutrients, and die quickly after planting.
  • Some nurseries try to sell oversized plants, but chop off vital roots so they can cram the rootball into a narrow box to save on shipping!

You Want Gala Apple Trees Grown by Experts

Some nurseries ship thin, underdeveloped fruit trees grown in tiny pots to save money. These weak, "root bound" trees can spend years recovering before they give you a real harvest.

Nationwide Plants only sends you strong Gala Apple Trees, selected and cared for by our plant experts, with healthy, developed roots. A strong start helps your tree settle in quickly and begin bearing fruit, often around 2-5 years after planting.

Read more about the Gala Apple Tree

Gala Apple Tree – Grow Sweet, Juicy Apples Right in Your Backyard

The Gala Apple Tree is the perfect choice for home gardeners seeking sweet, crisp apples with a touch of honeyed flavor. Known for its vibrant red and yellow skin and excellent eating quality, the Gala Apple is one of the most popular apple varieties worldwide. Ideal for snacking, baking, and adding to salads, these apples ripen early in the season, offering a plentiful harvest of juicy, aromatic fruit. With its compact size and high yield, the Gala Apple Tree brings beauty, delicious apples, and easy care to your garden or orchard.

Key Benefits of Gala Apple Tree

  • Sweet, Crisp Apples: Gala apples are prized for their sweet, mild flavor and firm texture, making them perfect for fresh eating, salads, and baking. Their balanced sweetness and thin skin make them especially popular for families.
  • Early Ripening: Gala apples ripen early in the season, with fruit ready to pick by late summer or early fall, giving you one of the first apple harvests of the year.
  • High-Yielding: This apple tree produces heavy crops of medium-sized apples each year, ensuring you’ll have plenty to enjoy fresh, bake into pies, or preserve.
  • Compact and Easy to Grow: With its manageable size and natural resistance to many diseases, the Gala Apple Tree is ideal for home gardeners, even in smaller spaces. It’s low-maintenance, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned growers.
  • Cold-Hardy and Adaptable: The Gala Apple Tree thrives in USDA Zones 4-8, making it a great choice for a variety of climates. It’s hardy enough to handle colder winters while still flourishing in warmer regions.

Ideal Placement and Uses

The Gala Apple Tree is versatile and can enhance your garden in many ways:

  • Backyard Orchard: Plant the Gala Apple Tree as part of your home orchard or edible landscape to enjoy fresh, homegrown apples. Pair it with other early ripening varieties like Honeycrisp or McIntosh for extended harvests.
  • Containers and Small Spaces: Dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties of the Gala Apple Tree are perfect for container gardening or smaller yards. Their compact size allows for easy growing in tight spaces.
  • Pollinator Gardens: The beautiful white-pink spring blossoms of the Gala Apple Tree attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, helping to boost pollination in your garden.
  • Landscape Focal Point: The attractive shape, spring blooms, and vibrant red apples make this tree a great focal point for any garden or yard, combining beauty with a bountiful harvest.

Growing Tips for Gala Apple Tree

The Gala Apple Tree is easy to grow and care for, making it a top choice for home gardeners. Follow these simple tips for a healthy tree and abundant fruit:

  • Sunlight: Plant in full sun to maximize fruit production. The tree needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for the sweetest and most abundant apples.
  • Soil: Gala Apple Trees thrive in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Amend the soil with compost to improve fertility and drainage if necessary.
  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the tree’s first few years and during dry spells. Water deeply to encourage strong root development.
  • Pruning: Prune your tree in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. This helps improve airflow and encourages healthier, more productive growth.
  • Pollination: Gala Apple Trees are not self-pollinating. To ensure a bountiful harvest, plant another compatible apple variety like Fuji, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp nearby for cross-pollination.
  • Fertilizing: Feed your tree with a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and fruiting. A mid-summer feeding can help support fruit development.

Enjoy Sweet, Homegrown Apples with the Gala Apple Tree

The Gala Apple Tree offers the perfect combination of sweet, crisp apples and low-maintenance care, making it a fantastic choice for any home garden or orchard. Whether you’re growing apples for snacking, cooking, or sharing with family and friends, the Gala’s early ripening fruit, heavy yields, and delicious flavor will be a welcome addition to your harvest. Plus, its compact size and beautiful spring blooms add ornamental value to your yard or landscape.

Order your Gala Apple Tree today from Nationwide Plants and start growing your own sweet, juicy apples! With fast shipping and high-quality, disease-resistant trees, you’ll soon enjoy the taste and satisfaction of homegrown apples right from your backyard.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Gala Apple Tree

Does a Gala Apple Tree need a pollinator?

Yes, a Gala Apple Tree needs a different apple variety nearby for cross-pollination. It is not self-pollinating. Good partners that bloom at the same time include Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith. Plant them within about 50 feet of each other, or choose a Pollination Pack variant that includes a compatible partner tree.

When do Gala apples ripen?

Gala apples ripen early in the season, from late summer to early fall, usually in September. They are among the first apples of the year. Apples are ready when they show full color and come off the tree easily with a gentle twist. Ripe Gala apples have brown seeds and firm, juicy flesh.

How big does a Gala Apple Tree get?

A Gala Apple Tree typically grows 10 to 20 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide. Annual pruning with a central leader structure keeps it strong and manageable for easy picking. Its moderate size makes it a good fit for backyard orchards and edible landscapes.

What zones do Gala Apple Trees grow in?

Gala Apple Trees grow best in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8. They need about 500 to 700 chill hours, which is time spent below 45 degrees F in winter, to produce fruit. Make sure your area gets enough winter chill for reliable blooming and fruit set.

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

A Gala Apple Tree generally begins bearing fruit about 2 to 5 years after planting, depending on tree size and growing conditions. Full sun, consistent watering, and a good pollination partner help it start producing sooner. Gala is known as a reliable, heavy producer once established.

How much sun does a Gala Apple Tree need?

A Gala Apple Tree needs full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, for the sweetest and most abundant apples. Choose a site with good air circulation and avoid low areas where frost settles. In very hot regions, a little afternoon shade can help prevent fruit sunburn.

When and how should I prune a Gala Apple Tree?

Prune a Gala Apple Tree every year in late winter or early spring before active growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches and thin the canopy so sunlight and air reach the fruit. Training young trees to a central leader creates a strong frame for heavy crops.

Should I thin the fruit on my Gala Apple Tree?

Yes, thinning the fruit on a Gala Apple Tree improves apple size and quality. In early summer after fruit set, thin the young apples so there is about 6 inches between each one. This reduces branch breakage, helps prevent premature fruit drop, and lets the tree put its energy into fewer, better apples.

How long do Gala apples keep?

Gala apples can be stored in the refrigerator for several months, up to about 6 months in ideal cool conditions. Keep them in a cool, dry place and handle gently to avoid bruising. For longer storage, dry or freeze sliced apples. Gala is excellent for snacking, salads, juicing, and baking.

Which states can the Gala Apple Tree not ship to?

The Gala Apple Tree cannot be shipped to Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, or Washington because of state agricultural shipping restrictions on apple trees. Customers in the other states where it is offered can order it normally. Gardeners in those five states can check local nurseries for approved apple trees.
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