Quck answer
Almonds can be grown by following these steps:
1. Choose a suitable location with well-draining soil and full sunlight.
2. Start with healthy almond tree saplings or seeds.
3. Plant the saplings or seeds in the ground during the dormant season.
4. Water the plants regularly, providing enough moisture but avoiding waterlogging.
5. Prune the trees annually to maintain their shape and promote healthy growth.
6. Apply fertilizer during the growing season to provide necessary nutrients.
7. Protect the trees from pests and diseases by using appropriate measures.
8. Harvest the almonds when the outer husks split open and the nuts are mature.
9. Dry the almonds thoroughly before storing or consuming them.
By following these steps, you can successfully grow your own almonds.
If you want to have an abundant supply of fresh almonds and add a touch of beauty to your yard, consider growing your own almond tree (Prunus dulcis). These trees produce stunning white-to-pink blossoms in spring, which can last from February to late March. In addition to being a great investment for nut enthusiasts, a healthy almond tree can yield up to 60 pounds of nuts and continue to produce for 25 to 50 years.
Almond trees can reach heights of 12 to 33 feet, with most home gardeners opting for varieties that grow to about 15 feet, making them suitable for a typical backyard. While these trees can be temperamental, especially when young, they are relatively drought-tolerant once established. However, they are not particularly tolerant of spring frosts and thrive best in regions with mild winters and warm summers.
Various Uses for Almonds
Almond trees are classified as stone fruits. However, unlike cherries and peaches, the edible part of the almond tree is not the fruit, but the seed inside. Immature almond hulls, also known as drupes, resemble unripe peaches, as they are green and fuzzy. The inner shell of an almond looks similar to a peach pit, but with small holes instead of long indentations. Interestingly, almonds are the first stone fruit to bloom.
Most almond cultivars require cross-pollination, so it is crucial to select either self-pollinating varieties or to plant two trees of different varieties if you want to produce nuts. Before purchasing almond trees, it is important to do thorough research, as not all varieties are compatible for cross-pollination. For instance, Nonpareil varieties cannot be cross-pollinated with Monterey varieties. Even when the pollen types are compatible, it is essential for both trees to bloom simultaneously for successful cross-pollination.
One highly popular variety for home growers is the self-pollinating Prunus dulcis ‘All-in-One,’ which grows to a height of 15 feet. It can also serve as a pollinator for other non-self-pollinating cultivars. Another well-regarded choice is Prunus dulcis ‘Hall’s Hardy,’ which produces small nuts, grows up to 30 feet tall, and boasts beautiful bright pink flowers in spring. This variety is more frost-tolerant than others and requires colder weather to bear fruit. Like most varieties, it does not self-pollinate and should be planted next to another cultivar.
In addition to planting almond trees in close proximity for successful pollination, it can be beneficial to grow clover as ground cover around the trees. This practice helps to aerate the soil, attract pollinators, and add nitrogen to the soil.
Tips for Cultivating Almond Trees
- Common Name: Almond
- Botanical Name: Prunus dulcis
- Best Time to Plant: Any time throughout the year
- USDA Zones: 7 to 9, with some cultivars able to withstand zone 5
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining loam soil
- Signs of Trouble: Stunted growth, dying branches, powdery nuts
inside of shells, yellowing or browning leaves, wilting leaves - Signs of Success: Long, thin green leaves; pink or white flowers in spring; green
fuzzy fruits in early or midsummer that turn brown and crack at harvest
time
Starting Almond Trees From a Young Plant
Although almonds can be grown from either seeds or young plants, it is generally recommended to start with a young plant as it has a higher chance of growing into a mature tree and producing nuts more quickly. Young plants available from nurseries are often grafted to the roots of peach or bitter almond trees, making them more resistant to certain diseases like verticillium rot.
To give the young plant a good start, moisten its roots before planting. Dig a hole that is deep and wide enough to accommodate all the roots, particularly the main taproot. This usually means the hole should be between 18 and 24 inches deep. Space multiple trees about 15 to 22 feet apart. Improve the soil in the hole by adding cow manure, compost, or peat moss before filling it back up.
When planting almond young plants, take care not to bend or damage the taproot, as even slight damage can easily kill the tree. If planting a bare-root young plant, spread out the other roots around the hole to prevent tangling as they grow. Plant young trees at the same depth they were previously planted.
After filling the hole three-quarters full with soil, pour in one bucket of water and mix fertilizer with water before pouring it into the hole. Continue filling the hole with soil, gently tapping it down with a shovel after each scoop. Once the hole is completely filled, water thoroughly and apply mulch around the roots, leaving a 3-inch gap from the base of the tree.
To protect against rodent infestations and sun scald, paint the tree trunk with white latex paint or use tree guards. Prune off one-third to one-half of the twigs and branches. Although it may seem counterintuitive to trim a new tree right away, this will help the tree focus its growth on its root system and trunk.
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ChrisBoswell/iStock/GettyImages
Which Climate Zones are Suitable for Growing Almonds?
While almond trees are native to the Middle East, they have been successfully cultivated and adapted to grow in various regions, including USDA hardiness zones 7 to 9, with some varieties able to withstand zone 5. However, they thrive best in warm climates with mild winters and moderate rainfall. This is why the most successful commercial almond growers in the United States are located in California, Texas, Arizona, and Georgia. Additionally, almond trees require at least 200 to 400 hours of cold weather below 45 degrees Fahrenheit in order to produce nuts, which is why they do not thrive in tropical areas.
While all types of almonds grow well in zones 7 through 9, not all varieties can survive in zones 5 and 6. If you live in these regions, look for more cold-resistant varieties, such as Hall’s Hardy, that require 600 to 800 hours of cold temperatures in order to produce nuts.
What is the Best Time to Plant Almonds?
You can successfully plant almond seedlings or saplings at any time of the year as long as the soil is workable. However, when planting in late fall or winter, it’s best to avoid adding liquid fertilizer to the water used for planting. Additionally, when planting bare-rooted saplings, it’s best to plant them in late autumn or early spring to protect them from extreme temperatures.
Recommended Soil, Sunlight, and Water Conditions for Almonds
Almonds can grow in most soil types, as long as the soil is not excessively moist. Constantly wet roots can lead to root rot. Therefore, the ideal soil for almond trees is rich, light, and contains ample organic matter. During the winter and spring, it is recommended to apply fertilizer along the drip line of the tree. In spring and early summer, a thick layer of mulch should be applied around the root area to help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weed growth.
Sunlight is crucial for the productivity of almond trees. While they can grow in partial sun, they will not thrive. It is best to plant almond trees in a location where they will receive at least six hours of sunlight per day, preferably protected from strong winds that can blow off unripe nuts from the tree.
During the first year or two, almond trees should be watered once a week if there is less than an inch of rain. The recommended watering method is to place a hose near the base of the tree and let the water trickle slowly for about 20 minutes, allowing the soil enough time to absorb the water. After the initial years, almond trees can survive without additional watering, but watering once a week can help increase nut production. Overwatering can harm the roots and reduce nut production, so it should be avoided.
How to Prepare Almond Trees for Winter
Pruning is essential for maintaining a healthy almond tree. Neglecting to prune the tree can result in poor growth or even prevent the tree from growing altogether.
During the tree’s first dormant period, which occurs between November and January, pruning is necessary to shape the tree’s future growth. It is important to encourage upward growth and aim for three or four main branches, which will facilitate harvesting. Any branches growing towards the center of the tree, as well as any broken or dead branches, should be trimmed. When multiple branches cross, only one should be retained. Wide-angle branches are preferred over narrow ones.
Starting from the second season, prune almond trees in December or January, removing growth in the center of the tree to improve light penetration and airflow. Dead, diseased, and drooping branches should be eliminated. Approximately 20 percent of the tree’s canopy should be trimmed each year.
In addition to pruning, it is important to remove fallen leaves, old mulch, and fallen nuts to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in and around the tree. Applying dormant oil spray to the trees can help prevent problems with borers, scale, and mites.
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Blanchi Costela/Moment/GettyImages
Methods for Collecting Almonds
Almond trees typically begin producing nuts when they reach 2 to 4 years old, depending on the specific variety and local climate conditions. The drupes, or almond fruits, start to grow sometime between March and June, and they require approximately 180 to 240 days to fully mature. The hulls of the drupes split open and become ready for harvest between August and September. It is best to harvest the almonds when all of the drupes have turned brown and at least three-quarters of the hulls have opened.
Before starting the harvest, it is important to gather any fallen drupes from the ground. Then, place two blankets or sheets beneath the almond tree, one on each side of the trunk. This method can save significant effort when it comes to collecting and carrying the fallen nuts, as a healthy and mature almond tree can yield between 30 and 65 pounds of nuts per year.
There are two common methods for collecting almonds: manual picking or using a pole to gently knock the nuts from the branches and onto the blankets below. Once collected, allow the nuts to dry in the sun for two to three days. The nuts are considered dry when they make a rattling sound inside their shells and the shells crack instead of bending under heavy pressure. After drying, gather the nuts towards the center of the blankets for easier transportation.
Prior to storage, remove any remaining hulls from the shells. The nuts can be stored either in their shells or shelled, but if you choose not to shell them, it is recommended to freeze the harvest for one to two weeks to eliminate any potential worms that may transfer from shell to shell. Store the almonds in airtight containers in a cool and dry location or in the freezer. Properly stored almonds can remain fresh for up to one year.
Common Challenges and Pest Control for Almonds
Similar to other stone fruits, almonds are susceptible to various pests, including the peach tree borer, naval orangeworms, and mites. Peach tree borers are moths with transparent wings and metallic blue or black bodies adorned with orange or yellow stripes. Infestations can be identified by the presence of holes in young shoots, which may result in branch death. To prevent borer infestations, trees should be sprayed with dormant oil after the growth season.
Another common pest is the naval orangeworm, which burrows into the nut meat and consumes the nuts from the inside. These pests can be recognized by the presence of webbing and a powdery residue. The most effective prevention method is to remove fallen nuts during the dormant season to hinder the orangeworms from overwintering and establishing themselves in the tree. In the event of an orangeworm infestation during the growth season, it is advisable to harvest the almonds early to prevent further damage to the plants.
Mites typically appear on the undersides of leaves, where they extract sap, leading to browning of the leaves. Utilizing dormant oil can help prevent mite infestations, but if an infestation is already present, introducing predatory insects like the western predatory mite may be beneficial.
Common Ailments Affecting Almond Trees
Almond trees are susceptible to various diseases, with two of the most prevalent being crown gall and verticillium wilt. Crown gall leads to stunted growth and the inability to bear nuts. The infection occurs through wounds, so the most effective preventive measure is to shield the tree from damage and utilize sanitized equipment when pruning.
Verticillium wilt causes the yellowing and withering of leaves on certain branches, often affecting only one side of the tree. The best way to combat this disease is to cultivate almond trees that are grafted onto robust peach or bitter almond rootstocks. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid overwatering the plants and utilize well-draining soil, as wilt thrives in moist conditions.
