A moderately vigorous tree with an upright habit, Gala is partially self-fertile, but a pollenizer should be present for full productivity. This tree is somewhat susceptible to all major apple diseases: fireblight, scab, mildew, cedar-apple rust, and perennial and anthracnose canker. It is also susceptible to blister spot, but this is a cosmetic issue that will be of concern only to commercial growers. Gala is a relatively low-chill variety and it can be grown in climates with milder winters. Southern growers will also be pleased to learn that it shows resistance to alternaria. The bloom is frost hardy and the young fruit should be thinned for optimal size at maturity.

Gala is a small to medium-sized apple with thin skin and crisp, firm flesh. Its grandparentage includes Cox's Orange Pippin (Kidd's Orange Red (Cox's Orange Pippin x Red Delicious) x Golden Delicious), and this is apparent in its light-colored orange blush and streaks that deepen to red as the apple fully ripens. This richly-flavored sweet apple is a great choice for the home grower who will allow the fruit to reach full maturity. Gala rewards such patience with an aromatic pear-like sweetness that is far superior to supermarket offerings, which are often either picked too early or stored for too long to have optimal flavor. Gala will keep well in regular storage for up to five months, but the flavor will lose complexity over this time.

Gala was developed in New Zealand by J.H. Kidd, who also bred Kidd's Orange Red and Freyberg. In 2018, Gala was the most widely grown commercial apple in the United States, knocking Red Delicious off its perch for the first time in 50 years. The original Gala has produced numerous sports, which are typically cultivated for their Gala-like flavor with improved appearance. In New Zealand, the redder Royal Gala has almost entirely replaced Gala.