Almond

What you'll need:

Almond seeds or seedlings (you can find these at nurseries, but almond trees are often sold as young plants because they take a long time to grow from seeds)

A large garden space or big pot (almonds grow into trees, so they need lots of room!)

Well-draining soil (almonds don’t like soggy feet)

When to start:

Almonds love warm climates. If you live in an area that gets cold winters, this might be tricky, as almonds prefer mild winters and hot, dry summers—like Mediterranean climates. The best time to plant is during early spring when the ground has warmed up but isn’t too hot yet.

Finding a good spot:

Almond trees need full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. They also need plenty of space to grow since they can reach heights of 15-30 feet (4.5–9 meters). Be sure to plant them at least 20 feet apart if you’re planting more than one tree so their branches have room to spread out.

Tip: If you're buying a young almond tree, make sure it’s already a year or two old—it’ll give you a head start!

If using seeds:

1. Soak your almond seeds in water for about 24 hours before planting. This helps soften the hard outer shell.
2. Plant the seed about 2 inches deep in a small pot filled with well-draining soil.
3. Keep the soil moist (but not soaking wet) and place it in a sunny location.
4. After the seed sprouts and grows a few leaves, it’s ready to be transplanted outside.

If using a young tree (recommended):

1. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of the tree.
2. Place the tree in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
3. Backfill the hole with soil, gently pressing down around the base of the tree to remove air pockets.
4. Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.

Planting tips:

• Don’t bury the tree too deeply; the top of the root ball should be level with the ground.
• Mulch around the base of the tree (but keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot).
• Almonds do best in areas where temperatures don’t drop below freezing for long periods, so consider planting near a wall or structure that can provide some shelter from harsh winds.

Watering:

• Young almond trees need regular watering until they’re established. Water deeply once a week during the first growing season.
• Once the tree is mature (after a couple of years), it will be more drought-tolerant, but you should still water it during long dry spells, especially during flowering and fruit development.

Feeding:

• During the growing season, use a balanced fertilizer (ask for "fruit tree fertilizer" at the store) once or twice a year. Apply it in early spring and again in late summer.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth rather than nut production.

Pruning:

• Prune your almond tree in late winter or early spring, before new growth starts. Remove any dead or crossing branches to keep the tree healthy and open for better airflow.
• You can also prune to shape the tree and control its size if needed.

Pollination:

• Most almond varieties need another almond tree nearby for cross-pollination. If you only have space for one tree, look for a self-pollinating variety like 'All-in-One' or 'Garden Prince'.
• Bees are essential for pollination, so avoid using pesticides that could harm them!

Tip: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids or diseases like leaf spot. Healthy, well-pruned trees are less likely to suffer from problems.

When to harvest:

• Almond trees usually start producing nuts after 3 to 5 years, so patience is key!
• Harvest time is typically in late summer to early fall, depending on your climate. You’ll know the nuts are ready when the hulls (the green outer layer) start to split open, revealing the hard shell underneath.

How to harvest:

1. Shake the tree gently or tap the branches with a long pole to loosen the nuts.
2. Collect the fallen almonds from the ground. If the hulls are still closed, you can leave them out in a dry, sunny spot for a few days to finish splitting.
3. Once collected, remove the hulls by hand or let them dry further until the hulls come off easily.
4. After removing the hulls, lay the almonds out in a single layer in a dry, shaded area to cure for a few weeks. This improves their flavor and makes them easier to store.

Storage:

• Store shelled almonds in a cool, dry place. They can last several months in an airtight container.
• For longer storage, keep them in the fridge or freezer to prevent them from going rancid.

Tip: If you’re storing almonds in their shells, make sure they’re completely dry before putting them away to avoid mold.

Q: How long does it take for an almond tree to bear fruit?

A: It usually takes 3 to 5 years for an almond tree to start producing nuts. But once it starts, it can produce for many years!

Q: Do I need more than one almond tree?

A: Yes, most almond varieties require cross-pollination, meaning you’ll need at least two trees of different varieties to get nuts. However, there are self-pollinating varieties like 'All-in-One' if you only have space for one tree.

Q: My almond tree isn’t flowering. What’s wrong?

A: Almond trees may take a few years to flower. Make sure it’s getting enough sunlight and water, and be patient—it may just need more time to mature.

Q: Why are my almonds staying green?

A: Almonds need plenty of heat to ripen properly. If they’re staying green, it could mean your climate is too cool, or they didn’t get enough sun during the growing season.

Q: Can I grow almonds in a pot?

A: While almonds can technically grow in large pots, they’ll eventually outgrow them. Dwarf varieties or smaller self-pollinating types like 'Garden Prince' work better for containers, but even then, they’ll need repotting as they grow.