Origin
Galaval is a natural, stable mutant of Galaxy. The cultivar was found in New Zealand.
Tree
Depending on the rootstock, the tree has a medium growth. It usually forms flower buds on one-, two- and three-year-old shoots. Growth typical of Gala.
Flowering and pollination
A month before Golden Delicious. Good pollinators are Fuji, Golden Delicious, Idared and other cultivars with the same flowering period.
Fruit-bearing
It is not susceptible to alternate bearing. It bears fruit annually and starts the fruit-bearing period early.
Fruit
The fruit is large and medium, from 65 to 80 mm, with a spherical and flattened shape. The fruit, due to an intense dark-purple colour that covers the blush in almost 100%, has less visible stripes. The fruit is firm and aromatic and the flesh is sweet and juicy.
Harvesting time
The Galaval fruit becomes ripe for harvesting a month before Golden Delicious. In a similar period to other Gala sports.
Health
Prone to scab and bacterial canker. No more than other sports.
Storage
Very good storage properties. High firmness after removal from a cold store, in an atmosphere-controlled cold store even until the end of April.
Usefulness
One of the best-colouring Gala sports. This cultivar is especially recommended for areas with difficult conditions for fruit. Intense red and burgundy blush covers the fruit even under hail nets. Highly stable cultivar.
