Gala Apple Tree

Malus 'Gala'

Nature Hills Nursery

Sweet Gala Apples with Vanilla Notes Ripen Early and Store up to 6 Months Fresh
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-10
Grows 12-18 ft Tall, 10-15 ft Wide
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees and Butterflies
Stunning Yellow Fall Foliage

$69⁴³

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#2 Container 3-4 Feet Semi Dwarf

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant your Gala Apple Tree where it will receive a minimum of six to eight hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily. Full sun is non-negotiable for high-quality fruit; partial shade will result in reduced bloom production and smaller, less flavorful apples.
Soil: Choose a site with well-drained, fertile, loamy soil that is slightly acidic (pH 6.0 to 6.5). If you have heavy clay, incorporate significant amounts of organic matter, like well-aged compost, to break up compaction and improve drainage. For sandy soils, compost will help the soil hold enough moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water deeply once a week, providing about 5 to 10 gallons per watering to encourage a strong, far-reaching root system. Once established, the Gala Apple Tree is moderately drought-tolerant, but supplemental watering is necessary during prolonged dry spells, especially when the fruit is swelling in summer. Inconsistent or insufficient watering will cause premature fruit drop and may lead to smaller, stressed harvests.

Pruning Tips

Apple trees produce fruit on short, permanent structures called spurs, which form on wood that is two years old or older. Prune in late winter or very early spring while the tree is completely dormant, before any new buds break. The technique is to maintain an open, well-spaced canopy by removing any crossing, dead, or diseased branches. This opens the tree to air circulation and sunlight exposure for better disease control and even ripening.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 blend, in early spring right as new growth begins. For established trees, focus on nitrogen; a good rule of thumb is 1/8 pound of actual nitrogen per inch of trunk diameter. A critical tip: avoid applying any high-nitrogen fertilizer after early summer. This late feeding will stimulate tender new growth that will not have adequate time to harden off before winter, leaving the branches susceptible to cold damage.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Flowering, Edible, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Thornless, Attracts pollinators
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	12-18 ft
Width	10-15 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Fast
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	White
Fragrant	Yes
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Malus 'Gala'
Species	hybrid
Cultivar	Gala
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR, WA

Popular Gala Apple Tree Produces at a Young Age!

Lovely Red Fruit
Firm White Flesh & Floral Aroma
Tangy & Slightly Tart & Hint of Vanilla!
Pink Buds Open to Fragrant White Blooms
Pollinators Galore!
Early-Season Harvest
Produces at an Early Age
Self-Fertile, But Larger Yield With Pollinators
Tolerates Wet & Heavy Clay Soil
Full Sun
Easy to Grow & Adaptable
Extended Ripening
Stores Up To 6 Months
Great Fresh Eating & Snacking Apple
~500 Chill Hours

If you only know Gala Apples from the grocery store shelf, you are missing out on one of life's great pleasures! There is absolutely nothing that tastes as nice as homegrown fruit. Gala is the go-to sweet Apple, adapted to a very wide range of climates.

An easy-care, low-maintenance variety, the Gala Apple (Malus 'Gala') Tree produces a delicious early-season snacking Apple. The fruit is firm, juicy and sweet with a slight tart flavor. One of the very best early Apples, Gala has a lot going for it.

You'll appreciate the precocious Gala Apple Tree because they are well-known to produce from a young age. Gala Apple Trees fruit young and ripen early - years before other Apples.

Homesteaders, urban foodies, Edible Landscapers, and clean-eating proponents alike can feel happy about the high fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C found naturally in Apples. If you've considered growing your own fruit tree, the Gala comes highly recommended.

First developed in New Zealand, this great-tasting import produces large, crisp Apples with rich flavor. Firm white flesh, a lovely floral fragrance, and a sweet, tangy snap. Hints of vanilla will make your taste buds smile.

In fact, Gala Apple Trees are in high demand around the world. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that they'll start producing fruit as younger trees than other varieties. After all - who wants to wait for a harvest?

Galas are also dependably productive, setting a great crop year to year. Although considered partially self-fruitful in some zones, a pollination partner is recommended for the largest harvest. Also, for longer harvests, we recommend planting your early-season Gala Apple Tree with an early-season and a late-season pollinator tree. Try a mid-season Honeycrisp, a late mid-season Red Delicious and a late-season Granny Smith to enjoy a variety of wonderful fresh-picked Apples for 6 months!

It's delightful when Gala bursts to life in spring. The beautiful pink buds will open to reveal snowy white flowers, a sure sign that the tree is well on its way to producing bushels of Apples. With a Gala, you'll have plenty to share with family and friends. We're talking about bushel after bushel of delicious snacking Apples that the whole family can love from a single tree.

Throughout the summer, the Apples mature to a bright, overall red color, with bold red stripes over a yellow-green background. You can see the parents - Cox Orange Pippin, Golden Delicious and Red Delicious - in its coloration!

How to use Gala Apple Tree in the Landscape

The Apples are highly coveted for pies and sauces, and the tree itself would be an attractive addition to any yard.

Gala is an all-purpose dessert Apple. It's good for fresh eating, for salads, and for divine Applesauce. It keeps its shape during baking. Add other firm varieties to pump up the depth of flavor in baked goods. The Gala is a great variety to add a sugary, fresh flavor to an Apple juice blend. Press with Granny Smith, or other tart cider Apples, to bring up the sweetness of your juice blend.

People also love the way Gala Apples store so well. The Apples resist bruising and can be stored for up to six months. This means you could be eating your own home-grown Apples that were picked at peak ripeness as late as February and March. What a treat for you and your family!

#ProPlantTips for Care

As with all Apple varieties, Gala likes slightly acidic, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 to 6.5. However, it will tolerate wetter, heavy clay soils.

Plant in full sun for best performance! Especially the morning sun that dries the leaves of dew.

One of Gala's most attractive qualities is its wide range of adaptability. They'll grow well and produce a sweet crisp Apple in the low-chill climates of growing Zone 10. However, they are also very productive in the higher-chill climates of Zone 4.

Once established, the Gala Apple is drought tolerant. In warmer climates, it's important to mulch around the perimeter of your tree. This keeps the root system cool. However, please don't let the mulch touch the trunk, leave a gap all around the trunk.

In colder climates, select a location with good air circulation. Avoid low-lying areas of settling cold with little or no air movement.

It's easy to keep your semi-dwarf Gala pruned to remain at a safe picking height. Simply plan to do summer pruning to keep your tree to a reasonable height, say 6 - 8 feet tall.

This tree is a perfect blend of modern and old-fashioned, and it's big on taste as a result. The Gala is an attractive flowering tree that produces Apples that fall nothing short of irresistible in the taste department. It's also a beautiful tree that's an asset to your landscape.

Though there are many different selections of the Gala Apple, the original Gala is the one most referred to as the best. Gala Apple Tree is an easy-to-grow and adaptable tree that matures quickly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are gala apples small?

Gala apples are actually medium to large-sized apples, not small. The Gala Apple Tree produces large, crisp apples with firm white flesh and excellent storage capability. For best fruit size, plant with another apple variety nearby as a pollinator.

What are the full sun and soil drainage requirements for planting a Gala Apple Tree?

Gala Apple Trees require full sun and tolerate wet, heavy clay soil better than most apple varieties. They adapt well to various soil conditions as long as the location receives 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant in your sunniest spot for best fruit production, available at naturehills.com.

How much water does a newly planted Gala Apple Tree need in the first year?

Water newly planted Gala Apple Trees deeply once or twice weekly, providing about 1-2 inches total. Since Galas tolerate heavy clay soil, adjust frequency based on drainage - clay soils need less frequent watering. Check soil moisture 2-3 inches deep and water when dry.

What pruning is required for a Gala Apple Tree to keep it healthy and productive?

Prune Gala Apple Trees during dormancy in late winter to remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Focus on opening the center for air circulation and maintaining a manageable height for harvesting. Since Galas produce at a young age, avoid heavy pruning in the first few years to encourage early fruiting.

Is the Gala Apple Tree prone to pests and diseases, and how can I prevent them?

Gala Apple Trees are generally low-maintenance with good disease resistance, though they can face common apple issues like aphids, codling moth, and fire blight. Practice good sanitation by removing fallen fruit and leaves, ensure proper air circulation with annual pruning, and consider organic sprays during dormant season. Shop disease-resistant varieties at naturehills.com.

How is shipping handled for bare-root or potted Gala Apple Trees from online nurseries?

Bare-root apple trees ship dormant in late winter/early spring, while potted trees can ship throughout the growing season. Bare-root stock establishes faster but has a narrower planting window. Plant bare-root trees immediately upon arrival, and potted trees within a few days for best results.

Gala Apple Tree

Malus 'Gala'