![The ripening fruit of a Gala Apple Tree](http://gardengoodsdirect.com/cdn/shop/files/gala-apple-tree-15667313737770_x560.progressive.jpg?v=1695392705)
Images Depict Mature Plants
Gala Apple Trees for Sale Online
Gala apples bring a sweet, clean crunch to the table. This apple tree is one of the first apple trees of the season to ripen, brightening up green summer foliage with red hues over yellow. Flowers appear in April, and large, red apples with cream-colored flesh mature in mid-September. This is a great apple for storing.
![Gala Apple Tree Hardiness Zones 3-8](http://gardengoodsdirect.com/cdn/shop/files/usda-plant-hardiness-zone-3-8_520x.jpg?v=3562195220486784823)
Hardiness Zone: | 4-9 |
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Mature Height: | 12 to 15 feet, up to 25 feet |
Mature Width: | 12 to 15 feet, up to 25 feet |
Classification: | Broad leaved deciduous tree, spring flowering |
Sunlight: | Full sun |
Habit: | Spreading, umbrella shaped canopy |
Foliage: | Dark green |
Fruit Color: | Red |
Pruning Season: | Late winter |
Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
Water Requirement: | Water well until established |
Uses: | One of the best apples for storing, baking, or eating fresh |
How to Care for Gala Apple Tree
Before you buy a Gala Apple Tree, make sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
![How do I plant my Gala Apple tree?](https://cdn.accentuate.io/3925382561834/6051903569984/planting-icon-v1605712932600.png?92x91)
How do I plant my Gala Apple tree?
We suggest when planting your newly purchased Red Gala Apple Tree that you dig a hole twice as wide as the root system but not deeper. Depending on the quality of your existing soil you may need to add a locally sourced compost or topsoil to the back-fill soil. We do not recommend using straight topsoil or compost as a back-fill soil because more times than not these products will retain entirely to much moisture and will cause the root system to rot. Adding compost or topsoil will help the young feeder roots of Red Gala Apple Tree to spread through the loose, nutrient rich soil, much easier than if you used solely the existing soil which more times than not will be hard and compacted. The most common cause of plant death after transplanting is planting the new plant to deep. That is why we do not recommend planting in a hole any deeper than the soil line of the plant in the pot. A good rule is that you should still be able to see the soil the plant was grown in after back-filling the hole.
![How often do I water my red Gala Apple Tree?](https://cdn.accentuate.io/3925382561834/6051903569984/watering-icon-v1605712952551.png?89x84)
How often do I water my red Gala Apple Tree?
After back filling and lightly compacting the 50/50 mix of existing soil and compost give the Red Gala Apple Tree a good deep watering. This is not to be rushed. Most of the water you put on the plant at first will run away from the plant until the soil is soaked. A general rule of thumb is to count to 5 for every one gallon of pot size. For example a one gallon pot would be watered until you count to 5 a three gallon pot would be 15 and so on. Check the plant daily for the first week or so and then every other day there after. Water using the counting method for the first few weeks. Gator Bags are a good investment that will help minimize the watering chore.
![How much Fertilizer does a Gala apple tree require?](https://cdn.accentuate.io/3925382561834/6051903569984/fertilize-icon-v1605712957969.png?90x89)
How much Fertilizer does a Gala apple tree require?
Trees such as Gala Apple Trees grow best if they are fertilized lightly in the spring once frost has passed with a well-balanced, extended-release, fertilizer such as espoma Tree-tone. Red Gala Apple Tree again 6 to 8 weeks later to encourage denser foliage or faster growth of young trees. We recommend Bio-Tone fertilizer when planting.
![What type of mulch does a Gala apple tree require?](https://cdn.accentuate.io/3925382561834/6051903569984/mulch-icon-v1605712987963.png?95x86)
What type of mulch does a Gala apple tree require?
We highly recommend that you mulch your Gala Apple Tree with either a ground hardwood mulch or a ground cypress mulch depending on your local availability. Any type of mulch will do but cypress or hardwood mulch will be of a higher quality and provide better nutrition overall as they breakdown. Mulching helps to keep weeds away which will compete with your new investment for water and nutrients. A 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch is sufficient but remember to take care not to cover any part of the stem of the plant with mulch. Its better to leave a one inch gap of space between the mulch and the stem or trunk of the plant.