Buckeye Gala® Apple Tree

Buckeye Gala® takes everything home growers love about Gala apples and turns up the color. A natural mutation of the Imperial Gala discovered in Ohio in 1994, it produces the same crisp, fine-textured, sweet flesh Gala is famous for — wrapped in rich red skin with bold, deep red striping that makes it one of the most visually striking early-season apples you can grow. Hardy in Zones 5–8 and reliably productive, it’s a standout addition to any home orchard.

Early-Season Flavor With Show-Stopping Color

Buckeye Gala® ripens in mid-to-late August, giving you a flavorful head start on the apple season before most other varieties come in. The fruit is medium-sized with an exceptionally fine, crisp texture and clean sweet flavor — excellent fresh off the tree, great for baking, and a natural for lunchboxes and snacking. Its vivid coloring also makes it one of the best-looking apples at harvest time, with deep red striping over a rich red base that sets it apart from standard Gala selections.

An Excellent Keeper for an Early Apple

Despite ripening early, Buckeye Gala® stores remarkably well — up to 7 months under controlled conditions. That means fresh homegrown apples well into winter from a mid-August harvest, which is exceptional for an early-season variety.

Why Growers Choose Buckeye Gala®

• Striking deep red color — bold striping that outshines standard Gala selections
• Early harvest — ripens mid-to-late August for a first taste of apple season
• Crisp, sweet flavor — fine-textured flesh with clean, classic sweetness
• Outstanding storage — keeps up to 7 months under controlled conditions
• Naturally rounded, spreading habit — productive and regular-bearing year after year
• Organic options available — for growers who want a certified organic tree

A Note on Disease

Buckeye Gala® is moderately resistant to insects and common diseases but can be susceptible to powdery mildew, apple scab, and fire blight. Good pruning practices and proper spacing for airflow will go a long way toward keeping your tree healthy and productive.

Pollination

Buckeye Gala® requires a compatible apple variety planted within 100 feet for reliable fruit production.

• Here’s where you can find our complete list of Gala Apple Trees to choose from.