Gala Apple Malus domestica 'Royal Gala' (D)
ABOUT
The apple tree known as 'Royal Gala' is renowned for its attractive appearance and produces apples that are highly appreciated for their taste. Normally, the tree exhibits a spreading growth habit with a robust and woody structure. Branches tend to grow outwards from a central trunk with a network of smaller branches and twigs that support the foliage and fruit. The leaves of the 'Royal Gala' apple tree are typically a vibrant green, showing a broad oval shape with slightly serrated edges. The surface of the leaves is smooth, and they are attached to the branches by short stalks. During the growing season, the foliage provides a dense canopy, contributing to the tree's lush appearance. The 'Royal Gala' apples themselves are a major highlight of this tree. The skin of these apples is smooth with a distinctive color pattern; the base color is a golden yellow, overlaid with varying stripes or blushes of red, often exhibiting a bright, warm hue. The apples are usually symmetrical and medium-sized, with a rounded to conical shape. The flesh inside is crisp, juicy, and cream-colored, offering a sweet flavor with a hint of tartness. In spring, the 'Royal Gala' apple tree is adorned with blossoms that are both beautiful and fragrant. The flowers are generally white with a pink blush, and they appear in clusters, which adds to the ornamental value of the tree during the blooming period. These blossoms not only improve the aesthetic appeal but are also vital in the pollination process leading to fruit development. Overall, the 'Royal Gala' apple tree is recognized for its bountiful and visually appealing apples as well as its lush green foliage, which together make it a popular choice for both commercial orchards and home gardens where conditions are suitable for its growth.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Royal Gala Apple, Gala Apple
Common names
Malus domestica 'Royal Gala'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as apple (specifically the Royal Gala variety) is not toxic to humans when the fruit is consumed. However, the seeds inside the apples contain amygdalin, a compound that can release cyanide when digested. If chewed and consumed in extremely large quantities, apple seeds could potentially cause symptoms of cyanide poisoning, which include headache, confusion, dizziness, anxiety, and potentially more serious effects like difficulty breathing, seizures, and even loss of consciousness. Nevertheless, one would have to consume a very high number of seeds to reach a toxic level, making such cases exceedingly rare.
To pets
The apple plant, including the Royal Gala variety, is generally safe for pets, especially the flesh of the apple, which is a nutritious treat for many animals. However, similar to humans, the seeds contain amygdalin, a compound that can become toxic if ingested in large quantities. When metabolized, amygdalin can release cyanide. In pets, consuming large amounts of apple seeds might lead to symptoms of cyanide poisoning, including dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, and in extreme cases, collapse. Pet owners should ensure to remove the seeds and core of the apple before allowing their pets to consume the fruit to prevent any risk of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12-15 feet (3.65-4.57 meters)
Spread
12-15 feet (3.65-4.57 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Nutritious Fruits: Royal Gala apples are a source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber.
- Enhanced Landscape: The tree's attractive pink to white blossoms in spring and vibrant fruit in late summer to fall can improve the aesthetic of gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: Blossoms provide an early source of nectar for bees and other pollinators, contributing to the pollination of other plants and trees.
- Economic Value: Royal Gala apples are commercially popular and can be a source of income for orchard owners and farmers.
- Culinary Versatility: The fruit is widely used in various culinary applications, such as baking, cooking, and fresh consumption due to its sweet flavor and crisp texture.
- Educational Opportunities: The cultivation of Royal Gala apple trees can offer educational opportunities regarding fruit production, horticulture, and pruning techniques.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant activity: Apples from the cultivar 'Royal Gala' are known to contain various antioxidants including vitamin C and polyphenols, which may help in reducing oxidative stress in the body and protecting against chronic diseases.
- Digestive health: Apples are a good source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote gut health.
- Cardiovascular health: The fiber and polyphenol content in apples have been associated with a potential reduction in the risk of heart disease by improving lipid metabolism and reducing cholesterol levels.
- Glycemic control: Apples have a low glycemic index and may help in managing blood sugar levels, potentially benefiting individuals with diabetes.
- Weight management: Fiber-rich foods like apples can enhance satiety, which may be helpful for weight control by reducing overall calorie intake.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Printing with apple slices: Apple slices can be used as stamps for kids' crafts by cutting them in half and using the flat surface to print designs on paper with paint.
- Natural potpourri: Dried apple slices can be mixed with spices like cinnamon and cloves to create a natural potpourri that gives off a pleasant aroma when placed around the home.
- Apple wood smoking chips: Wood from apple trees can be used to create smoking chips for barbecuing to add a sweet, fruity smoke flavor to meats and other grilled foods.
- Fruit picking educational trips: Apple trees can be used for educational purposes, such as teaching children about fruit growth and agriculture during apple picking trips to orchards.
- Apple pomace for animal feed: The leftover pulp from juicing apples can be used as a nutrient-rich feed for livestock like pigs and cows.
- Insect traps: Hollowed-out apple halves can attract and trap garden pests like slugs when left out overnight in a garden.
- Natural bird feeders: Halved apples can be hung on trees to act as natural bird feeders, providing nourishment for wildlife during colder months.
- Craft materials: Dried apple slices can be used to create decorative garlands, wreaths, or other crafts, often combined with other natural materials.
- Fruit leather: Pureed apple can be dried into fruit leather, a healthy and natural snack that's easy to store and pack for trips.
- Photography props: Apples are visually appealing and can be used as props in still life photography or as a symbol in artistic expression.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Apple tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Apple tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Temptation: As an apple variety, Royal Gala apples are often associated with the biblical story of Adam and Eve, representing the fruit of temptation and symbolizing love, knowledge, and sensuality.
- Health and Vitality: The old adage "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" suggests that apples, including the Royal Gala, symbolize health and well-being.
- Youthfulness: Apples are sometimes connected with youth and vitality, due in part to their crisp, fresh taste and rejuvenating nutritional qualities.
- Peace and Resolution: In some cultures, the apple is presented as a peace offering, or as a tool for reconciliation.
- Wealth and Abundance: With their abundant fruit production, apple trees like the Royal Gala are often seen as symbols of abundance and prosperity.
- Beauty: The 'Royal Gala' apple, known for its attractive red skin and delicious taste, can also symbolize beauty and the appreciation for aesthetics.
WaterThe Royal Gala apple tree should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 5 gallons of water per session for young trees, and 10 to 15 gallons for mature trees. Less frequent watering is necessary during rainy periods or cool weather. In the peak of summer, when temperatures are high and rainfall is low, water needs may increase. Be sure to water slowly, allowing moisture to penetrate deeply into the soil, which encourages deep root growth. During drought conditions, watering every 4 to 5 days may be necessary, while in cooler months or when the tree is dormant, less frequent watering is required.
LightThe Royal Gala apple tree thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for the tree is in an open area, away from buildings and other trees, where it can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. Avoid planting in shaded areas, as insufficient sunlight can lead to poor fruit production and increased susceptibility to diseases.
TemperatureThe Royal Gala apple tree prefers a temperate climate and grows best in temperatures ranging between 32°F and 90°F. They are hardy to a minimum winter temperature of about -20°F, but extended periods below freezing can damage the tree or reduce fruit production. Optimal growth and fruiting occur when spring and summer temperatures are within the 70°F to 85°F range.
PruningPrune the Royal Gala apple tree to remove dead or diseased wood, to shape the tree, and to allow sunlight and air to penetrate the canopy, which is essential for fruit quality and disease prevention. Pruning should be done during the dormant period in late winter before new growth begins. Annual pruning is recommended to maintain tree health and to encourage the growth of fruiting spurs. Thinning out crowded branches also helps to improve fruit size and reduce the chance of pests and diseases.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRoyal Gala Apple trees thrive in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A soil mix consisting of equal parts garden soil, compost, and peat or sand is ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility. Adjust the pH accordingly if testing indicates it is outside the optimal range.
RepottingRoyal Gala Apple trees grown in containers should be repotted every 2-3 years or when they become root-bound. It is crucial to increase the pot size gradually to encourage healthy growth without over-potting.
Humidity & MistingRoyal Gala Apple trees prefer outdoor conditions where the humidity is naturally regulated by the environment. They can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels but thrive best in moderate humidity typical of temperate climates. Avoid overly dry or excessively humid conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Insufficient space for Royal Gala indoors; not recommended.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure good soil drainage and space for growth.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleRoyal Gala apple trees (D) begin their life cycle with seed germination, though commercial varieties are often propagated through grafting onto rootstocks. After root development, they enter a vegetative growth phase, forming a sturdy trunk and branching structure. Flower buds differentiate and bloom in spring, leading to pollination and fruit set if successful cross-pollination occurs with a different apple variety. Fruits mature throughout the summer and are typically harvested in late summer to early autumn. The tree then prepares for dormancy, shedding leaves and entering a rest period during the winter months. With the return of warm temperatures in spring, the cycle restarts with bud break, leading to a new season of growth and fruit production.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
The most popular method of propagating a 'Royal Gala' apple tree, a cultivar of Malus domestica, is through grafting, specifically the technique known as bench grafting. This method is best performed during late winter or early spring, before the rootstocks and scion wood resume growth after their dormant period. Grafting involves taking a short piece of a 'Royal Gala' apple branch, which is known as the scion, containing a couple of buds, and joining it to a rootstock, which is a young apple tree stem used for its roots. The scion and rootstock are cut at matching angles and joined together so that the cambium layers (the growing tissues) touch. This union is then securely wrapped and sealed to prevent dehydration and infection, allowing the two pieces to grow together and form a new apple tree that will produce 'Royal Gala' apples. It's essential to maintain proper hygiene and sharp tools to ensure a successful graft and to watch the grafted tree closely for proper healing and growth.
