Ultra Red Gala

Family: Rosaceae Fruit

Crisp as a cool morning breeze, Ultra Red Gala brings a vivid, lacquered red blush over a bright, tender flesh—sweet, fragrant, and wonderfully juicy with a fine-grained bite.

The fruit’s classic Gala charm is elevated by its striking color depth, making it a standout for fresh snacking, fruit bowls, and elegant sauces. Grow Ultra Red Gala for a season-long harvest rhythm and the kind of orchard satisfaction that lingers long after the last apple is picked.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 120 DaysHabit: Shrub

Botanical illustration of Ultra Red Gala

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Aug 23rd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	120
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Shrub
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	60
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Ultra Red Gala’s fine-grained crunch and juice make it ideal for slicing when you want the bite to stay bright—not collapse. Use it raw for maximum snap, or quick-cook just until glossy so the tart snap doesn’t fade into sweetness.

Best Uses

raw eating that stays crisp in fruit bowls
thin slices for salads where it won’t get mealy
fast sauté or quick pan-glaze for pork or duck—holding shape without turning mushy
chunked for cider-style sauces and reductions that need clean acidity

Flavor Profile

sweet, floral apple fragrance high-juiciness with a fine-grained crisp bite bright, clean finish with light tart snap

Kitchen Pairings

aged cheddar pork tenderloin vanilla walnuts cinnamon honey

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem is most common on Malus domestica (apple) and how do I control it at home?

Apple scab (a fungal disease) is a common issue on Malus domestica, causing dark, olive lesions on leaves and fruit. Remove and discard infected leaves/fruit, improve airflow with proper pruning, and apply a labeled fungicide spray at bud break and again as directed on the label to protect new growth. Keep watering at the soil level and avoid wetting leaves to reduce repeated scab cycles.

How often should I water Malus domestica during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During the active growing period, water deeply so the root zone stays evenly moist but not waterlogged—about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of water per week depending on rainfall and heat. Check by feel: the top 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) of soil should dry slightly between waterings, while deeper soil remains cool and damp. In hot spells, you may need more frequent deep watering to prevent stress that can reduce fruit size.

How can I tell when Ultra Red Gala apples (Malus domestica) are ready to harvest?

Harvest when the ground color changes from green to yellow and the fruits develop their full red striping, usually around 120 days from flowering/setting. Do a taste and firmness test: ripe Gala apples are crisp and sweet with a firm bite, and they should pull with a gentle twist—if they resist strongly, they’re likely not ready yet. Let a picked apple sit at room temperature for a few days; if flavor continues to sweeten, you harvested at the right stage.