Culture
Best grown in deep, loamy, moderately fertile, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates average garden soils, but unamended heavy clay soils which waterlog easily and drain poorly should be avoided. Generally, the more dwarfing the rootstock, the greater the need for soil fertility. Needs full sun for maximum flower and fruit production. More than one variety must be planted in order to facilitate best pollination and subsequent fruit production. For basic cultural information on the growing of apples, see Home Fruit Production, Apples (University of Missouri Extension publication G6021), which is available for inspection or purchase at the Kemper Center Information Desk.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Malus is a genus of about 35 species of deciduous trees and shrubs from Europe, Asia and North America. Some eating apples are hybrids but others are attributed to M. domestica or M. pumila.
Edible apple cultivars do not grow particularly well on their own roots. As a result, apple varieties sold in commerce today have all been grafted onto rootstocks which, inter alia, control the size of the tree. Rootstocks are generally classified as follows (tree height in parenthesis): dwarf (8-10'), semi-dwarf (12-15') and standard (18-25' or more). All trees bear full-size fruit, however. Most trees sold today for the home apple grower are grafted onto dwarfing rootstocks (dwarf or semi-dwarf), resulting in trees which, in comparison to standard trees, are (1) easier to manage (spray, prune and harvest) and (2) produce fruit at an earlier age.
Genus name from Latin is an ancient name for apple.
STARK ROYAL GALA typically grows 8-10' tall and is an exclusive introduction from Stark Bro's of Louisiana, Missouri. This cultivar is also available from Stark Bro's on a semi-dwarf rootstock whereon it would typically grow 10-15' tall. White flowers appear in spring and are followed by red, medium-sized, eating apples which ripen in early September (USDA Zone 5).
Problems
Apple trees in general are susceptible to a large number of pests. The four major disease problems of apples are apple scab, cedar apple rust, fire blight and powdery mildew. Potential insect pests include aphids, maggots, codling moth, plum curculio and spider mites. This cultivar is reported to have much improved disease resistance. However, good cultural practices are always essential and some chemical spraying may become necessary in order to control certain pests.
Uses
STARK ROYAL GALA is shaped, pruned and grown primarily with a view toward quality fruit production, and its ornamental features are considered secondary. It should be grouped in a sunny location with other apple varieties. Spring apple blossoms and fall fruit add color and interest to the landscape.