Gala Dark Ann®

Origin

Mondial Gala mutation cloned in Italy. CPVO-registered.

Tree growth

As Gala standard. The trees grow moderately strong and moderately dense, forming many short shoots and buds at the ends of the shoots. They do not bare, are easy to shape and retain the given shape of the crown for a long time. Gala Dark Ann is distinguished by its high stability.

Flowering

As Gala standard. It is a diploid variety, with late flowering. The possible pollinators are: Golden Delicious, Golden Gem, Evereste, Prof. Sprenger, Braeburn, Fuji, Elise, Elstar, Gloster, Alwa. Due to its long flowering period and abundance of pollen, it is also a good pollinator for other varieties with a similar flowering time.

Fruit Characteristics

Gala quickly enters the fruiting phase, produces abundant and annual fruit, requires thinning.

Fruit

The Gala DARK ANN fruit is similar in size to standard Gala – medium-sized, conical or conical-oval shape, often with slight ribbing near the calyx. Smooth skin with an attractive, uneven dark red blush and subtle striping. Tender, sweet, juicy, and crispy flesh.

Harvesting & Storage

DARK ANN reaches harvest maturity 2–4 days earlier than standard Gala. Storage: similar to Gala – in a regular cold room until December, in a controlled atmosphere (CA) until April.

Frost Resistance & Health

Gala DARK ANN – Similar frost resistance and disease susceptibility as standard Gala. Requires a warm, well-exposed site, just like standard Gala. Calcium supplementation and a consistent water supply ensure high fruit quality and long shelf life.