Identification

All budwood used for producing 'BigBucks Gala' trees is selected according to three main characteristics of the variety:

ROYAL GALA vs 'BIGBUCKS' ('BIGBUCKS' ON RIGHT)

The fruit

The fruit should be full red viz. wine red or cherry red at harvest. There should be no stripes. Budwood is normally cut as close as possible to the fruit as described above. The fruit has a typical Gala flavour and texture.

'BIGBUCKS' LEAF ON THE LEFT

The leaves

From approximately the end of February a typical 'BigBucks Gala' leaf should have a distinct pink-red central vein as in the photo above. Before this time this characteristic is not very pronounced. By autumn this characteristic should not be used as a means of identification as other varieties could also show this central red vein later in the season.

DEEP CRIMSON BASE OF THE 'BIGBUCKS' BLOSSOM

The flowers

Directly after petal drop, the base of the 'BigBucks Gala' blossom is deep crimson in colour. The fruitlets, 7-10 days after petal drop, are dark red compared to standard Royal Gala.

Best time of identification

We recommend that growers who have planted 'BigBucks Gala' trees should use the above means of identification to ensure that their trees are true to type. A good time of identification is at the end of February of the first leaf. Check whether every tree has the typical pink or red central vein. If it has not, it is not 'BigBucks Gala'.