Dwarf Almond Garden Prince

The Garden Prince® Dwarf Almond (Prunus amygdalus) is a self-fertile variety that can be grown in a pot or in the ground, reaching a height of 1m (3ft) at maturity. It can be grown in the north of France against a wall. This variety, originally from America, is productive. Following its flowering in February, this Almond tree produces almonds with a soft shell, which are quite large and can be harvested from late September. Planting should be done in autumn.

The almonds, surrounded by a thin brown skin, are contained within a more or less tender shell, which is itself surrounded by a green fuzzy envelope. The almonds are harvested when the fuzzy envelope opens, usually towards the end of summer, by shaking the branches. After harvest, separate the shells from the green envelope, spread them out, and let them dry in the sun for several days. The dried almonds can then be stored for several months in a dry and airy place. In May and June, it is also possible to pick fresh (green) almonds by hand. These will only keep for a few days. In cooking, almonds can be used whole (with the skin), blanched (without the skin), slivered (cut into very thin slices lengthwise), or crushed (reduced to small pieces or powder). They are mainly consumed in desserts or in certain savory dishes such as tagines, for example. Almonds are oily fruits and can sometimes cause allergic reactions. Almonds are used in cosmetics, particularly for their oil with soothing and moisturizing properties.

The flowering of the Almond tree, in February or March depending on the variety, is particularly sensitive to spring frosts. The Garden Prince® variety flowers in February, with the Almond tree covered in small white-pink flowers that appear before the foliage. This variety is self-fertile.

The Almond tree is a nut-bearing fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, native to central Asia. It is a typical tree of the Mediterranean region, and its wood is used in cabinetmaking. Its deciduous leaves are alternate, narrow, and lanceolate. The Garden Prince® Dwarf Almond is a small shrub, reaching a height of 1m (3ft) at maturity. It can be grown in a pot on a balcony or terrace, or in the ground to enhance a flower bed, for example. Hardy, it withstands cold weather well but will need protection if grown in a pot.