About this seed
These seeds come from Gala apples (Malus domestica), the sweet, pink-blushed variety. Apple seed will not sprout without cold, moist stratification, and a seedling will not be an exact copy of Gala. The packet holds 5 seeds.
Stratify before sowing
Typical for the species, apple seed needs cold moist stratification at 2–5 °C for at least about 30 days (approximate). Keep the seed in a damp medium in the refrigerator, then sow it in moist soil.
A seedling is not a Gala tree
Apple trees raised from seed vary from the parent, so the fruit traits below describe Gala, the variety the seed came from. Gala itself was bred in New Zealand in the 1930s by J. H. Kidd from Kidd's Orange Red and Golden Delicious.
The Gala fruit
- Size: medium, 6–8 cm across.
- Skin: pink to red blush over golden yellow.
- Flavour: sweet and mildly tart, crisp and juicy.
- Ripening: late summer to early autumn.
Growing on
Apples are temperate trees. Plant in full sun (6–8 hours a day) in well-draining, fertile soil at pH 6.0–7.0, water young trees regularly and prune lightly. Expect first fruit in about 5–7 years.
Storing leftover seed
Apple seed is orthodox: typical for the species, it keeps at least 2 years when dried below 11% moisture and sealed at 2–10 °C (approximate). We do not state a germination percentage for this lot.
What you get
One packet of 5 Gala apple seeds.
FAQ
Will the tree give Gala apples?
Not reliably. Seedlings vary from the parent, so the fruit may differ in size, colour and taste.
How long is the cold treatment?
At least about 30 days at 2–5 °C in a moist medium, typical for the species.
