gala affair apples are class asMalus domestica , a species within the Rosaceae family , which include other pome fruit such as pear , cherries , and quince . The genusMalusencompasses all domesticated apple cultivars , and Gala is a specific variety lead from a control hybridizing betweenKidd ’s Orange RedandGolden Delicious . Developed for its sweet qualities , it ’s not a angry species or hybrid genus but a cultivar breed for spirit , texture , and market appeal . This positions Gala among early - to - mid - season apple , prized for fresh feeding and versatility .
Gala apples were created in 1934 by J.H. Kidd , a New Zealand orchardist in Greytown , North Island , who crossedKidd ’s Orange Red(itself aCox ’s Orange PippinxDelicioushybrid ) withGolden Deliciousto combine pleasantness and aromatic complexity . Named ‘ Gala’—possibly after a Maori Holy Writ or merely for its gay appeal — it was introduced commercially in New Zealand in the 1960s . Its popularity surged after reaching the U.S. in the 1970s , particularly in Washington State , where growers refined strains like Royal Gala ( a redder sport patented in 1977 ) . By the 1980s , it became a planetary favorite , now ranking among the top five apple salmagundi worldwide , raise extensively in North America , Europe , Australia , and South America .
Gala apples are small-scale to intermediate , typically 6 - 7.5 cm in diam ( about 150 - 200 grams ) , with a round - to - slightly conic shape . Their skin is thin , smooth , and glossy , featuring a yellow-bellied base with vibrant orange - Marxist striping or blush covering 50 - 90 % of the surface , change by strain ( for example , Royal Gala is deeply red ) . The flesh is creamy white , fine - grained , and crispy , case a small marrow with tiny brown seeds . They ripen too soon to mid - time of year ( August - September ) and store well for 3 - 6 month refrigerated , though crispiness fades over clock time . The taste is sweetly dominant with meek acidity ( 12 - 14 % Brix ) , offering a balanced flavour with hint of vanilla extract , pear , and flowered billet , making it approachable and versatile .
Gala orchard apple tree trees ( Malus domestica‘Gala ’ ) prosper in USDA zones 4 - 9 , accommodate to temperate regions with cold winter and quick summers , like New Zealand ’s Hawke ’s Bay or Washington ’s Wenatchee Valley . They need 500 - 1000 chill hours ( below 45 ° F/7 ° C ) for quiescency and fruit set , perform well in zones 5 - 8 where winters dim to -20 ° F ( -29 ° C ) and summer reach 70 - 85 ° F ( 21 - 29 ° vitamin C ) . Early blossom ( April , heyday group 2 - 3 ) makes them hoarfrost - sensible in geographical zone 4 , needing security . They exact full Lord’s Day ( 6 - 8 hours daily ) and well - drained , loamy soil ( pH 6.0 - 7.0 ) , adapt well below 1,500 meters where high temperature does n’t too stress them .
