Apple Gala

• Originally developed in New Zealand, Gala apples have become one of the most popular varieties worldwide. They're known for their consistent cropping and excellent eating quality.
• The tree produces medium-sized fruit with distinctive red stripes over yellow-green skin. The flesh is crisp, juicy, and has a mild sweet flavour with subtle spice notes.
• Gala trees are partially self-fertile but produce better crops when cross-pollinated with other apple varieties. They typically begin bearing fruit 3-4 years after planting.
• This variety stores exceptionally well in cool conditions, maintaining crispness and flavour for several months after harvest.

• Water weekly during growing season, providing deep soaks rather than frequent shallow watering. Reduce watering in winter but don't allow complete drought.
• Position in full sun with protection from strong winds. Ensure good air circulation around the canopy to prevent fungal diseases.
• Plant in well-draining, fertile soil with pH 6.0-7.0. Add compost annually and maintain mulch layer around the base.
• Apply balanced fertiliser in early spring, followed by potassium-rich feed during fruit development. Avoid feeding in late summer.
• Prune in winter to maintain open vase shape, removing suckers and water shoots. Thin fruit in early summer if heavily loaded.
• Monitor for pests during spring flush and treat promptly. Harvest when fruit separates easily from branch with gentle lifting motion.

• Plant in full sun location with at least 6 hours direct sunlight daily for best fruit production. Morning sun is particularly important for good flowering.
• Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Increase frequency during fruit development but reduce before harvest.
• Maintain consistent soil moisture during spring growth and fruit set. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Prune in late winter to maintain shape and improve air circulation. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches annually.
• Feed with balanced fruit tree fertiliser in early spring, then again after fruit set. Avoid high nitrogen feeds which promote excessive leafy growth.

• Aphids can cluster on new growth - spray with horticultural oil or introduce beneficial insects like ladybirds. Check undersides of leaves regularly during spring.
• Codling moth larvae tunnel into fruit - use pheromone traps and apply organic sprays during flowering. Remove affected fruit immediately to break the cycle.
• Fire blight causes blackened shoots and leaves - prune affected areas 30cm below damage with sterilised tools. Avoid overhead watering and excessive nitrogen feeding.
• Scale insects appear as small brown bumps on branches - scrub off manually or apply white oil spray. Monitor regularly as they weaken the tree over time.