Ferragnes Almond Tree

The Ferragnes Almond Tree (Prunus amygdalus) is a productive and vigorous variety. Following its rather late flowering in March, this Almond Tree produces almonds with a tender shell, which are rather long and can be harvested from mid-September onwards. It is a non-self-fertile variety, requiring pollination from another variety such as Ferraduel, Aï, or Texas. 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 fuzzy green husk. The almonds are harvested when the fuzzy husk opens up, usually towards the end of summer, by shaking the branches with a pole if necessary. After harvesting, separate the shells from the green husk, spread them out, and let them dry in the sun for several days. The dry almonds can then be stored for several months in a dry and well-ventilated 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 (thinly sliced 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 also used in cosmetics, particularly for their soothing and moisturizing properties.

The flowering of the Almond Tree, around February or March depending on the variety, is particularly sensitive to spring frosts.  The Ferragnes variety blooms in March, with the Almond Tree covered in small white-pink flowers that appear before the foliage. This variety can be pollinated by the Ferraduel, Aï, or Texas varieties. It is indeed necessary to have another almond tree nearby, within a radius of 10 to 15 m (33 to 49ft), to ensure good fruiting.

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, with wood used in cabinetmaking. Its deciduous leaves are alternate, narrow, and lanceolate. The Almond Tree can reach a height of 6 to 10 m (20 to 33ft) with a width of 6 to 8 m (20 to 26ft) and can live for several decades. It is very hardy, able to withstand temperatures as low as -25°C (-13°F), but its flowers are destroyed at -2°C (28.4°F). It can be planted in a fruit or ornamental garden, thanks to its beautiful flowering in late winter.