Holly's Homestead — Nut Tree
Almond
Prunus dulcis · Rose family
DIFFICULTY Moderate
TYPE Deciduous perennial tree
MATURITY 3–5 years to first useful crop
TYPE Deciduous perennial tree
MATURITY 3–5 years to first useful crop
Sun
Full sun
Water
Regular while establishing, moderate once mature
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
6–8m
Depth
graft union above soil
01Nut anatomy
Almonds develop inside a green, fuzzy hull that splits open at ripeness, revealing the familiar hard shell and kernel inside — very similar structure to other stone fruit.
02Planting
Method
Plant bare-rooted while dormant, graft union above soil.
Soil
Well-drained, moderately fertile.
Timing
Plant in winter while dormant.
03Growing care
- Plant two varieties for cross-pollination — most almonds are not self-fertile.
- Water regularly while young; established trees are relatively drought-tolerant.
- Prune in winter to an open, airy shape.
- Protect blossom from late frosts, which can wipe out a season's crop.
04Problems
- Late frost — damages early blossom; site away from frost pockets.
- Fruit fly — net or manage as fruit develops.
- Bacterial spot — leaf and fruit spotting; improve airflow.
- Poor nut set — no compatible pollinator variety nearby.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Hulls split open and begin to dry on the tree, typically late summer to autumn.
Method
Knock or shake branches over a tarp, or hand-pick as hulls split.
Curing
Remove hulls, then dry nuts in shell 1–2 weeks in a warm, airy spot.
Storage
Shelled kernels keep months airtight in a cool spot, longer frozen.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
Native groundcoversAvoid nearby
Close tree plantingRotation note
Not applicable — long-lived perennial tree.