The Almond Tree: Planting, Pruning, Harvesting

Description

Prunus dulcis, formerly named Amygdalus communis, is a tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, which also includes a large portion of our fruit trees such as apple, pear, cherry, serviceberry… as well as strawberries, raspberries or roses.

Likely originating from Central or Western Asia, the almond tree was cultivated early on in the Greek islands before spreading across southern Europe and North Africa. Mentioned in the Old Testament, it was gradually domesticated. It also appears in Carolingian and Merovingian records. In the mid-19th century, it crossed the Atlantic to be established in California, which is now the world’s leading almond producer – with regrettable environmental consequences… In France, the almond tree is mainly found in Provence as it thrives in warm climates with abundant sunshine. This region is particularly ideal as late spring frosts are rare. Local lore suggests it was introduced there as early as the 5th century BC. By the Middle Ages, Aix-en-Provence had become the centre of almond cultivation and Provençal confectionery. The almond is, in fact, one of the 13 traditional desserts served on Provençal tables during Christmas meals.

The domestication of wild almond trees and selective breeding led to the creation of sweet almond varieties (Prunus dulcis), though bitter almond varieties still exist.

The almond tree’s trunk is rough-textured

The almond tree is a beautiful tree that can reach 8 to 12 metres, though it typically grows to 5 or 6 metres. It experiences rapid growth in its early years after planting. Hardy down to -25°C, it can theoretically be grown anywhere in France. However, it fruits best in the south of the country. This is because the almond tree has the peculiarity of flowering as early as late winter, making it vulnerable to late winter or spring frosts, which can compromise fruiting. Some late-flowering varieties may still be grown north of the Loire, provided they are planted in a sunny spot sheltered from cold winds.

The almond tree has an upright, spreading habit that tends to become more rounded with age. Typically, it lives for 70 to 80 years, or even 100 years if growing conditions are favourable. Its trunk is rough, twisted in appearance, covered in ashen, peeling bark. Its young shoots are light green at first, turning reddish in the sun.

The almond tree is deciduous. The upper surface of its leaves is dark green and glossy with slight metallic reflections, while the underside is greyish-green. The alternate leaves are narrow and long (12 to 14 cm), elliptical-lanceolate, mostly glabrous, and shortly petiolate. They feature fine serrated edges and are longitudinally folded as they develop. The buds are also reddish and pointed.

The flowers appear before the foliage, between late winter (January-February) and early spring (March). In fact, it is one of the first trees to bloom, heralding spring. Its flowers are white tinged with pink, solitary or geminate, almost sessile, and clustered in glomerules. They have 5 sepals, 5 broad petals, and 15 to 30 stamens. Almond tree flowers are hermaphroditic. And, crucially, they are highly nectariferous, making them a delight for bees and other pollinating insects emerging in early spring.

The white-pink flowering of the almond tree occurs from January to March depending on the variety

Most almond trees are self-sterile, meaning they cannot fertilise their own flowers. This requires planting at least two different varieties to obtain fruit. Bees and bumblebees will handle pollination. However, some varieties like the All in One Almond Tree or the Supernova Almond Tree are self-fertile, while others like the Princesse Almond Tree are partially self-fertile.

On branches at least 2 years old, the almond tree produces oblong, compressed drupes that first display soft green hues before turning dark brown. Inedible, velvety, and fleshy, these drupes split open to release a porous stone with a more or less hard, woody shell. This stone contains one or two seeds (the almonds), oblong and flattened, covered in a rough ochre integument. In wild almond trees (Prunus amara), these almonds are bitter as they contain two molecules—amygdalin and emulsin (like all Prunus species)—which can be toxic in large quantities. Sweet almonds, however, pose no risk as selective breeding has reduced amygdalin concentration.

Initially velvety, the almond tree’s drupes turn brown and split open at maturity to reveal the woody almond shell

Almonds harvested in June-July are called fresh almonds, while those harvested in late August or September are dry almonds.

The different varieties of almond tree

There are various varieties of almond trees that allow for a wider planting choice. They mainly differ by their flowering, more or less early, a criterion to consider if you live south of the Loire. Similarly, some almond trees will be more sensitive than others to diseases and pests, others will be self-sterile and will require planting at least two trees. others will bear fruit more quickly.

There are many traditional and heritage varieties, typical of Provence: Dame de Provence, Aberrane d’Aureille, Dorée or Demi Tendre d’Apt, Demi Tendre de Riez, Languedoc, Beraude Dure, Princesse, Tournefort or Aï, an old variety, used in the Aix-en-Provence region since the 19th century with quick fruiting. Some varieties have Spanish origins like Bartre, Marcona, Mardia or Penta, others are American such as Carmel, Nec plus ultra, Non pareil or Texas.

Other almond tree varieties were obtained through cross-breeding of different species: Ferraduel, Ferragnès, Ferrastar, Lauranne, Mandaline… are relatively recent creations by INRA.

The almond tree conservatory orchard in Apt, located near the Moulin de Salignan, has about forty different varieties, both old and new, and over 150 trees. Open to the public, this orchard is truly enchanting in early spring.

Our favourite varieties

Prunus dulcis All In One - Almond Tree

Almond tree of American origin, self-fertile. It needs a hot summer but is resistant to cold and frost. The fruits are harvested at the end of September

• Flowering time April
• Height at maturity 8 m

See the product sheet

Prunus dulcis Supernova - Almond Tree

This is an almond tree from the European Agrimed programme, self-fertile. It is a semi-late variety, resistant to diseases

• Flowering time March, April
• Height at maturity 5 m

See the product sheet

For container growing

Dwarf Almond Garden Prince

Self-fertile almond tree variety that does not exceed 1 m at maturity. It can be grown north of the Loire.

• Flowering time March
• Height at maturity 1 m

See the product sheet

Planting an almond tree

Where to plant?

When it comes to soil, the almond tree has few requirements. It thrives in all types of soil, though it has a slight preference for chalky soils. It can thus enhance stony, arid and dry soils. The almond tree will withstand drought perfectly.

However, these soils must be light, deep as the almond tree has a taproot system, and above all extremely well-drained. Wet soils are not suitable at all.

In terms of location, it should be very sunny, and most importantly sheltered from draughts, frosts and cold winds. This is why planting in the south is preferable. North of the Loire, the almond tree has little chance of fruiting.

When to plant?

Autumn planting is recommended and will allow the almond tree to establish well before spring. Especially since it is very early and starts growing very soon.

How to plant?

Almond trees are sold bare-root or in containers.

• Weed carefully and remove stones from the area dedicated to the almond tree
• Loosen the soil deeply with a fork
• Add some sand if you judge the soil too heavy
• Dig a hole 50 to 60 cm deep and 80 cm wide
• Throw a handful of ground horn at the bottom of the hole and mix with the soil
• Add some of the extracted soil mixed with well-rotted manure
• Place a stake to keep the tree upright
• Position the almond tree so that the collar is at ground level
• Fill in around the planting and firm down
• Water generously

If your almond tree is bare-root, remember to trim and coat the roots before planting. Trimming involves cutting the tips of the roots and coating means soaking them in a mixture made of one third garden soil, one third compost and one third rainwater. Coating helps eliminate air pockets between the roots and the soil.

Allow at least 15 metres between each almond tree.

An almond tree in a pot is possible

Provided you choose a dwarf almond tree like Garden prince. Choose a pot that is deeper than it is wide and place a good layer of gravel or clay pebbles at the bottom. Fill the pot with a mix of 2/3 garden soil and 1/3 potting compost. Place your pot in the sun and water regularly. A spring fertiliser application is recommended.

Maintenance, pruning and harvest

In the first year after planting, watering is especially important during periods of intense heat.

Every year, fertilise your almond tree. In autumn, lightly fork in some compost around the base, and in spring, feed your almond tree with a special fruit tree fertiliser. As a preventative measure, you can also apply a Bordeaux mixture treatment to avoid the development of fungal diseases.

Pruning the almond tree

In the year following planting, pruning is unnecessary, and the almond tree can grow freely. This is especially true since flowering occurs on two-year-old shoots, or even one-year-old shoots for some varieties.

Maintenance and training pruning is carried out in autumn. Its purpose is to open up the branches to allow sunlight to penetrate, renew the shoots, and remove inward-growing branches. Pruning also helps eliminate dead wood, stolons, and suckers. It is advisable to apply a pruning sealant after cutting.

Almond trees can be trained as half-standard or low-standard open goblets, fan-shaped (à la diable), or as cordons.

Harvesting almonds

Fresh almonds are harvested from June or July onwards, depending on the variety, about twenty days before full ripeness. Milky in texture, they are best eaten immediately. In late August or early September, almonds are harvested (shaken) when dry, once the drupe splits and begins to open. To store them, the outer husk must be removed to reveal the woody shell. They can be kept for up to a year in a cool, well-ventilated place.

When harvested fresh, almonds have a milky texture

Almond Tree Diseases

The almond tree is susceptible to numerous fungal or bacterial diseases. Similarly, a number of pests can attack it.

Among the diseases, the most common are moniliosis, which causes the withering of flowers and the appearance of cankers on branches, and peach leaf curl, characterised by the deformation and discolouration of leaves. Another fungal disease affecting almond trees is coryneum blight or shot hole disease. This fungus attacks leaves, branches and fruits alike, leading to the decline of the almond tree. Verticillium wilt can also affect almond trees, as well as other fruit trees. It manifests as browning and curling of the leaves. You may also encounter fruit tree rust, scab, anthracnose and red spot disease.

The main pests include the almond red spider mite, the almond bud mite, the peach leaf miner, and green aphids.

→ Learn more about almond tree diseases and parasites in our advice sheet.

How to propagate almond trees?

To propagate almond trees, several techniques can be used: sowing for amateur gardeners, grafting or budding for the more experienced.

Sowing almonds

The first step is to select a good almond shell to keep. To germinate, this almond needs to go through a cold period to break its dormancy. There are two options: either sow your almond in autumn and let it overwinter outside, or sow it in spring after storing it in the fridge for 1 to 2 months.

In any case, before planting, it’s necessary to soften the shell by soaking it overnight in room-temperature water. Then, prepare a deep pot with a layer of clay pebbles or gravel at the bottom. Fill it with one-third garden soil, one-third compost, and one-third sand, and place your almond stone with the pointed end facing upwards. Cover with 2 to 3 cm of soil and water so the substrate remains consistently moist. When spring arrives, move the pot outside to partial shade.

Almond trees can be propagated by sowing

Once the seedling reaches about 30 cm, repot it into a larger container with Mediterranean plant compost. By autumn, you can plant it in its final position. Ideally, sow several shells from different varieties to ensure pollination, as most almond trees are not self-fertile.

Grafting

The best grafting technique for almond trees is the “dormant eye” method. This is a shield budding graft performed in August during lignification, when trees prepare for winter by hardening their wood.

• Take a one-year-old almond scion
• Trim the leaves, keeping the petioles
• Select a smooth section on a one-year-old but lignified branch of a two-year-old rootstock (an almond seedling, apricot seedling, peach seedling, or plum seedling)
• Make a horizontal then vertical cut (forming a T-shape) on the rootstock branch
• Make a 2 cm horizontal cut on the scion below the bud, then slice upwards from the cut to the bud
• Insert the bud into the T-cut of the rootstock
• Wrap the shield with raffia.

What to pair with an almond tree?

By planting two or three almond trees, you can create an orchard. Remember that most almond trees are self-sterile, so it’s necessary to plant different varieties. For example, the Ferraduel almond tree can be pollinated by another variety such as Ferragnes, Ferragnes by Ferraduel, Aï or Texas. The Texas almond tree is, in fact, an excellent pollinator. Plant them at a maximum distance of 15 metres apart.

In an orchard, almond trees can also be paired with olive trees, which require the same growing conditions, or with a peach tree. The almond tree is also stunning as a standalone feature—its flowering will be highlighted if you plant bulbs such as daffodils or snowdrops at its base. You can also pair the almond tree with a Bodnant viburnum, which produces clusters of bright pink buds that open into white or pale pink flowers in the heart of winter.

The almond, a fruit with multiple benefits

Known since ancient times for its medicinal properties, the almond is also beneficial for our well-being. While it’s true that almonds are high in calories (400 kcal/100g), they contain lipids, mainly monounsaturated fatty acids such as Omega-9 – good fats that are beneficial for the vascular system.

Almonds are also rich in fibre, protein, vitamin E (an antioxidant) and nutrients like magnesium, calcium and potassium.

As for the bitter almond tree, it produces bitter almonds containing amygdalin, which becomes toxic after chewing. It produces hydrocyanic acid, which is toxic in high doses. However, bitter almonds used in agri-food, parapharmacy and pharmacy, or perfumery pose no risk.

The different uses of almonds

Almonds can be consumed whole, blanched (with the integument removed), sliced, ground into powder or made into paste. They can be roasted and/or salted. They’re also consumed as plant-based milk or marzipan. They’re incorporated into sugared almonds, nougat, brittle and form the base for frangipane.

Bitter almonds were traditionally used to make orgeat syrup and remain the base for amaretto, an Italian liqueur. In Italy, people also enjoy amaretti – delicious little biscuits.

Almond milk to orgeat syrup

Making Your Own Homemade Almond “Milk”…

Gentle and smooth, almond “milk” is delicious on its own, in desserts, smoothies or milkshakes. What’s more, it’s very simple to prepare.

Almond milk is mild and aromatic

My recipe:

• Soak 500g of shelled almonds in water for an entire night
• Drain and rinse the almonds
• In a blender, place the 500g of almonds and 500ml of water
• Blend for 2 minutes at maximum power
• Strain to remove any residue

…Or Natural Orgeat Syrup

Admittedly, historically, orgeat syrup was made from fermented barley to which almond was added for flavour. Nowadays, commercial orgeat syrups no longer contain barley, let alone real almonds! But you can prepare homemade orgeat syrup. Simply mix 160ml of almond milk, 120g of sugar, 2 teaspoons of bitter almond flavouring and 4 drops of orange flower extract, then heat gently until boiling.