Almond
Prunus amygdalus · Rosaceae
📷 Ivar Leidus · CC BY-SA 4.0
⚠️ Feuilles, tiges et noyaux ou graines mâchés contiennent des glycosides cyanogènes ; le risque dépend de la partie et de la quantité ingérées. Pour les espèces fruitières, la chair mûre dénoyautée est généralement sans danger.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around almond and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- March to April, white or pink flowers
- Mature size
- 6 to 8 m in height
- Growth rate
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Down to -15°C depending on variety
- Origin
- Central Asia and the Middle East
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerates limestone
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Almond trees depend critically on late frosts: in continental climates or where spring freezes are frequent after a thaw, the almond tree flowers but doesn't fruit. Check local frost records before investing.
The common mistake
Planting a single non-self-fertile almond tree severely limits fruit set; choose a variety suited to your climate.
The pro's trick
In February, before flowering, remove diseased or crossing branches.
Care
Sunlight
Your almond tree demands full sun for optimal fruiting and well-ripened wood. Plant it in an open location, sheltered from cold spring winds that can compromise flowering. Aim for a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year after planting to establish a good root system. Once established, the almond tree tolerates dry periods well. In summer, weekly watering can improve production. Avoid excess moisture, which promotes disease.
Soil and planting
Choose well-drained, light soil, and it tolerates limestone too. The almond tree dreads waterlogging and heavy soils. Amend with compost or coarse sand if your soil is too compact. A neutral to alkaline pH is ideal.
Pruning and training
Prune lightly after flowering or in late winter to maintain a balanced shape and encourage branching. Remove dead wood, crossing branches, and water shoots. Avoid harsh pruning that weakens the tree.
Fertilization
A spring application of compost or well-rotted manure is usually sufficient. For young trees, balanced fertilizer at the start of the season supports growth. Established almond trees are undemanding.
Diseases and pests
Watch for moniliasis (blossom and fruit rot) in excessively moist conditions. Scab and powdery mildew can appear. Good drainage, air circulation, and removal of debris reduce risks. If infestation occurs, targeted intervention may be necessary.
Did you know?
The almond tree is one of the first domesticated crops in Central Asia, dating back over 5,000 years. In the Mediterranean, it symbolizes the arrival of spring and has inspired painters and poets; Van Gogh immortalized its pink blossoms in several of his canvases. A single almond on the tree contains a precious kernel, the ancestral purpose of its cultivation.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.