Compared to other nuts, almonds are the most nutrient packed of them all, earning them the titles ‘modern superfood’ and ‘nutritional powerhouse’. Getting the whole family involved in harvesting, shelling, drying and storing the crop can be a lot of fun, rewarding you with delicious and nutritious nuts for all your hard work.
Description, History & Interesting Facts
Almonds have a rich history that can be traced back thousands of years to Western and Central Asia where they grew wild, and there is evidence of nomadic tribes grinding up bitter almond kernels for use in high-energy snacks long before they were domesticated around 4000 BC.
The development of the "sweet" almond mutation in the Middle East allowed for intentional cultivation, making almonds, along with dates, two of the first cultivated foods in their native regions. The nuts soon became a luxury food with cultural significance, and their durability made them a staple for travellers along ancient trade routes, encouraging their propagation into new regions.
Almonds were found in ancient Egyptian tombs like Tutankhamun's; and aside from archaeological evidence, almonds are also referenced in historical manuscripts from Greek mythology to the Bible, in which we see reference to both almond trees and almond fruit.
From 600 to 900AD explorers traveling the ‘Silk Road’ between Asia and the Mediterranean enjoyed the nutritious properties of almonds on their travels. Many uneaten kernels which fell onto the ground sprouted, facilitating their spread from the Middle East to China, India, and the Mediterranean.
The Phoenicians and Greeks, followed by the Romans, introduced almond cultivation to Southern Europe and North Africa, and the trees thrived in areas such as Spain, Italy, Greece, Morocco, and Israel, but Spain is the only country that has maintained a significant almond industry and is still a producer of almonds today.
The Romans gifted sugared almonds as fertility charms, and newlyweds in ancient Rome were showered with almonds. In Greek mythology, the almond tree in bloom represents hope, while sweet almonds are said to mark the beginning of a prosperous journey.
The Roman idea that almonds are a symbol of decadent luxury and good fortune continues in many of our cultures today. Almonds are still considered to be good luck and are handed out to wedding guests in many ceremonies held across Mediterranean countries such as Italy and Greece. Aside from being a symbol of hope and good fortune, in these regions it is also still believed that almonds can help to bring about fertility, an old belief that is now backed up by science!
The love affair with almonds continued, inspiring Van Gogh to paint his Almond Blossoms Series while living in Arlès and Saint-Rémy in Southern France, in 1890 AD. They remain some of his most beloved paintings.
Spanish missionaries brought the first almond trees to California in the mid 1700’s though they did not thrive until new varieties were introduced in the warmer interior valleys in the 1800’s. By the 20th century California's almond industry was firmly established, and crossbreeding had created several of today's commonly grown varieties.
Today California is the biggest producer of almonds, growing approximately 80 percent of the world's supply, followed by Spain and Australia as secondary producers. Australia is the largest almond production region in the Southern Hemisphere, where most of the almond orchards are located along the Murray River corridor in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Spain has diverse commercial cultivars of almonds which are grown in Catalonia, Valencia, Murcia, Andalusia, and Aragón regions, as well as the Balearic Islands. Greece, and Morocco are also top commercial producers, and additional commercial growing occurs in Iran, Tunisia, Chile, and South Africa.
South Africa only produces around 200 to 300 tons of almonds per year, and imports around 3000 tons of almonds per year, with Nonpareil accounting for about 50% of this. After decades of slow development, our almond industry is currently booming due to high local demand, better prices, improved farming techniques and the use of self-fertile, high-yield cultivars.
Commercial almond production in South Africa is focused in the Western Cape, because of its Mediterranean climate, similar to regions in California and Spain. Key areas include the Klein Karoo, and the Breede River Valley and Olifants River Valley.
Almond (Prunus dulcis)
Prunus is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs from the family Rosaceae. The genus includes plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots and almonds. The almond is not a true nut, botanically it is a drupe (a fleshy fruit with a single seed), much like a peach or cherry. The trees are deciduous and typically small to medium-sized, reaching a height of 4.5 to 9 meters with a rounded or slightly spreading canopy.
The serrated leaves appear in early spring, and depending on the variety, the striking pink or white blossoms can appear anytime from July to early September. The trees typically start bearing nuts from the third year after planting and reach peak production between 6 and 8 years, but remain productive for 20 to 25 years.
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Uses of Almonds:
Almonds have played a significant role in the lives of humans for more than 5000 years, and thanks to their delicious flavour, dense nutritional properties, longevity, transportability, and versatility, they will likely continue to do so for many more years to come.
There are two main types of almond, sweet and bitter. We consume the sweet type whilst the bitter variety is used to make almond oil or amaretto. Almond milk is also used as a base for various skin care products.
Almonds can be sold raw, roasted, or processed into oil, butter, or flour. With rising global demand, especially in health-conscious markets, almonds offer high returns for well-managed farms.
Health Benefits:
Compared to other nuts, almonds are the most nutrient packed of them all, earning them the titles ‘modern superfood’ and ‘nutritional powerhouse’. Almonds contain many vital health nutrients and are a very good source of manganese, copper, biotin and vitamin E, and a good source of fibre, riboflavin (vitamin B2), magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and molybdenum.
Almonds are also regarded as the most fertility nutrient packed of all nuts as they are high in important reproductive system nutrients including zinc and L-arginine. They are among the world’s best sources of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that is thought to improve sperm quality and motility in men. A study showed that eating only seven almonds a day improved sperm quality!
Almonds are an important regulator of sex hormones in both men and women. In women, vitamin E may help regulate the production of cervical mucus, which is important for conception, due to its ability to support live sperm for several days. Almonds also help improve insulin resistance, which is important for women with PCOS, a condition where the body becomes less effective at lowering blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance can reduce fertility in women, especially when combined with abdominal weight gain.
Almonds are extremely high in magnesium, a mineral that many people don’t get enough of. High magnesium intake may offer major improvements for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Almonds are cholesterol free and contain unsaturated fats similar to those in olive oil and also vitamin E, both of which are important in maintaining a healthy heart.
Macaroons Image by 2cassis from PixabayIn the Kitchen:
Almond trees flourished in Spain, Greece and North Africa during the middle ages, and chefs went nuts about almond milk and everything ‘almond’, resulting in the nuts becoming the key ingredient in desserts like marzipan and nougat, and today almonds are used in cuisines around the world.
Due to their nutritional value and taste the use of almonds in cuisines around the world has also increased dramatically in the past 30 years, with the nut now used to make a variety of non-dairy alternatives in dairy-free milks, yogurt, cheese, butter and even chocolate, solidifying their place in health-conscious diets. Almonds can be enjoyed raw or roasted, as a snack or in salads, baking and confectionary.
Easy ways to include almonds in your daily diet include chopping them to sprinkle onto cereals and yoghurts or toasting them to enjoy on pasta. Spread almond butter on toast or make an almond dip to serve with apple wedges and celery. Try substituting almond milk for some of your daily cow’s milk on cereals and in smoothies. There is a world of almond recipes on the internet, so search for your family favourites.
In Mediterranean regions almonds remain an integral part of the health-focused Mediterranean diet and lifestyle. The Italians started the tradition of giving almonds as wedding favours, and now they use them to mark other milestones too, using red candy coated almonds for graduations, green for engagements, blue for a baby boy and pink for a baby girl.
The Swedes have been known to hide an almond in rice pudding as a symbol of good fortune, and whoever finds it is said to get married in the coming year. Almonds are used for Germany's mouth-watering marzipan confections, and in France almonds are used in French patisserie treats such as macaroons, almond marzipan and almond-cream-filled puff pastries called “galette des rois” (the cake of the kings) which are enjoyed on the Feast of the Epiphany.
In India almonds are considered brain food for kids and play a key role in traditional sweets known as “mithai”. Almonds are also a common gift during the festival of Diwali. In China almonds are most popular during autumn and winter, and especially during the Chinese New Year as a roasted, salted snack. The Japanese love their delicate oval balls of almonds coated in chocolate, and pretzel sticks dipped in dark or white chocolate and coated with diced almonds.
In the Garden:
More and more gardeners today are planting fruit and nut bearing trees in their gardens to provide shade and also valuable crops. This is not just about sustainability and food security but because these trees are also very beautiful in the landscape. Yes, they do require a lot more work to maintain but many gardeners don’t find this a chore at all, but rather rewarding.
Almonds are not typically giant trees, making them manageable for many home gardens. They are most attractive, forming a nice, rounded, or spreading canopy that provides light, dappled shade in summer whilst allowing the winter sunshine in. Their spring blossoms are sure to delight, and although they can be considered messy when the hulls dry and drop, if the whole family gets involved in harvesting you will reap the rewards of having your own home grown almonds.
An attractive alternative to free-standing trees is to plant your tree against a north-facing wall or fence, and espalier it into a fan shape.
Members can click here to read my article "How to grow fruit trees in small spaces"
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Almond Varieties for South African Gardens
Almond ‘Ne Plus Ultra’
Ne Plus Ultra is a well-known, widely cultivated sweet almond variety. Originating from France but a staple in California, it is a popular, high-yielding and early-harvesting almond known for its large, soft-shelled, sweet nuts
In South Africa Ne Plus Ultra is an early-blooming variety, often blooming about a week ahead of 'Nonpareil'. Blooms typically appear in late winter to early spring, from Mid-July to early September, with full bloom generally occurring in early August. Harvesting starts in the first week of February.
Ne Plus Ultra has good heat and drought tolerance, and has an upright, spreading habit, growing between 4 to 6m tall. It is a low-chill variety, with some sources listing it as low as 250 hours, and others recommending 400 to 500 hours of winter chilling below 7°C, making it suitable for moderate climates. Due to its early blooming, the blossoms are susceptible to frost damage.
The 'Ne Plus Ultra' almond is generally considered self-incompatible (or at best partially self-fertile), requiring another variety for effective cross-pollination. It crops best with pollinators like Nonpareil and Texas Mission. Ne Plus Ultra is an excellent pollinator for most other varieties, and is generally used as a secondary almond crop to pollinate the main variety.
Almond ‘Nonpareil’
Nonpareil, which means ‘unequalled excellence’, is an early-blooming variety which is the most popular almond in the world. However, various other excellent commercial varieties have since been developed in the United States and Spain since the arrival of Nonpareil. It is a gold-standard variety, known for its excellent, mild, and sweet flavour, making it the most popular almond used for snacking and blanching, and due to its smooth, thin-shelled, light-coloured kernels, is sought after in culinary applications.
The trees grow about 3 to 8m tall and feature a spreading canopy. The blossoms appear from middle to late July to September, with peak bloom usually occurring in August. Harvesting starts in February. Nonpareil requires around 300 to 500 chill hours in winter to break dormancy, and thrives in climates with moderate winters.
Nonpareil is needs a pollinator, and is an excellent cross pollinator for most other almond varieties. Due to its robust nature and synchronized flowering, Peerless is considered the top cross pollinator for Nonpareil.
Almond ‘Peerless’
Peerless is a top performer for home gardeners and commercial growers alike, known for its large sweet kernels encased in sturdy shells, and high yield of plump exceptional quality nuts. This hardy tree produces consistent harvests of premium nuts that are perfect for eating fresh, roasting, or baking. Because Peerless has hard, very well sealed seed shells it is the leading almond variety to sell un-shelled.
What sets the Peerless almond tree apart is its vigour and ability to produce reliable, high-quality almonds even in harsher conditions. It is drought-tolerant and thrives in a variety of soil types, making it a resilient and rewarding tree to grow.
Peerless has low chilling requirements around 375 to 400 to break dormancy, and generally starts blooming about 2 days ahead of Nonpareil, from middle to late July to September, with peak bloom usually occurring in August. Therefore Peerless and Nonpareil are great cross-pollinators for each other. Harvesting starts in February.
Almond ‘Texas Mission’
Texas Mission, often referred to as ‘Texas’ or ‘Texas Prolific’ produces small but fat, light brown nuts of a good eating quality. It is a late-blooming, hardy variety, making it well-suited to regions with late frost risks. Texas Mission is one of the top 10 almond cultivars in the world, and performs well in gardens where it often produces a heavy crop.
The tree has a strong and upright growth habit, reaching 4.5 to 7m tall. It has fairly high chill requirements, requiring approximately 500 chill hours in winter when temperatures drop below 7°C. Texas Mission is hardy and suitable for areas that experience moderate winter cold and frost. It has excellent resistance to pests and diseases. However, it is intolerant of salt and performs poorly in brackish soils or under salty irrigation.
Texas Mission generally starts blooming in late July to mid-August and is in full bloom in late August to early September. It is easily harvested and first pick harvesting starts during the third week of February. It is a semi self-compatible variety which bears best when planted with cross-pollinators like Nonpareil.
Almond ‘Alfahem’
Alfahem, also known as ‘El Fahem’ or 'Umm Al-Fahm', is a popular almond distinguished by its consistent yield of premium nuts with a sweet taste and smooth texture. This versatile tree thrives in both home gardens and commercial orchards, offering an abundant harvest year after year.
It is an early-to-mid season bloomer, starting in August, with some reports noting the season starting in late August through September in certain districts. Depending on bloom time, first pick harvesting starts from mid to late February.
Its resilience to drought and ability to adapt to various soil types make Alfahem a standout choice for growers looking for a low-maintenance, high-reward tree. With moderate to low chilling requirements, this variety requires approximately 300 to 400 hours of winter chill below 7°C to break dormancy. Avoid planting in regions with late-spring frosts that can damage early blooms.
Alfahem is self-incompatible, meaning it requires a pollination partner to bear fruit. The best companion trees for cross-pollination include varieties like Peerless, Ne Plus Ultra, and Nonpareil.
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Almonds Tree Image by Josevi Parra from PixabayCultivation:
What is the best climate for growing almonds?
In South Africa almonds thrive in the same areas where stone fruit and wine grapes can be produced. The Western Cape is most suited for almond production because of its Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, with low humidity. Almond trees thrive in the Klein Karoo, Breede River and Olifants River Valley.
What position is best for almond trees?
Almonds require a sheltered sunny spot in the garden.
Are almond trees frost and cold tolerant?
Cold hardiness is -2.2C°, and temperatures as low as -0.5 C° may kill young trees. Almonds are sensitive to frost during bloom time. To reduce the risk of losing blooms to spring freezes it is important to choose varieties known to grow well in your area. Cold damage to spring blossoms is a major limiting factor in where almonds can be successfully grown.
Do almond trees require winter chilling?
Temperate climate fruits like apples, pears, peaches, cherries, and nuts like almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts and chestnuts are typically grown in mid-latitudes and require distinct seasons, including a cold period to break dormancy. Most almond varieties require a shorter chill period compared to walnuts or hazelnuts. This explains why they blossom earlier than other fruit trees and why it is impossible to grow almond trees in the tropics.
However, unlike apples which require between 500 and 1000+ chill hours, almond trees only require between 200 to 600 hours of cold weather during their dormancy period in winter, where the temperatures fall below 7°C, followed by warm, dry conditions for flowering and nut development. During an extremely mild winter the chilling requirement may not be satisfied, leading to an uneven bloom, poor pollination, and reduced yields.
Conversely, if a tree is grown where winter cold satisfies its chilling requirements, and there is a spell of warmer weather this can result in the trees to breaking dormancy and blooming earlier. If this warm spell is followed by a late spring freeze, this could damage the blooms and result in a poor harvest.
Chilling that exceeds a fruit tree’s minimum requirement , and which is not followed by late spring freezes can lead to a stronger bloom and a heavier crop that will require more thinning for best fruit quality and size.
Do almond trees require cross-pollination?
Although the flowers of some almond varieties are self-compatible, most of the widely planted garden varieties are self-incompatible and require pollen from a tree with different genetic characters, and which blooms around the same time as the main crop, to produce crops. Even self-compatible varieties bear better with other varieties, so it is highly recommended that you select cross-pollinators.
In orchards, two different pollinators are used, generally one blooming slightly before and the other slightly after the main cultivar.
In smaller gardens you can get away with planting only 2 or 3 trees that are known to pollinate each other because they bloom around the same time.
The pollen is transferred from flower to flower by insects, so commercial growers and home growers must ensure there are a variety of insects, and especially bees, to perform this task.
Commercial farmers rely heavily on bees for pollination, and home gardeners are encouraged to attract insect pollinators and bees by planting flowers and herbs to attract them into the garden.
Commercial growers use companion plants like clovers and other legumes planted in corridors between the rows within the orchard, as they contribute to soil fertility and attract pollinators.
What soil type is best for growing almonds?
There is no best soil for growing almonds, as they are remarkably adaptable and can grow in a diverse range of soil types, spanning from sandy clay to sandy loam. To reach their full potential plant in soils distinguished by their lightness, fertility, depth, and good drainage capabilities.
Soil acidity or alkalinity is rarely a limitation for the almond trees’ growth, since they grow well in areas with a pH between 5.5 and 8.5. However, most seasoned farmers adjust the soil pH to between 6.5 and 8.
Almond trees are extremely sensitive to salt. Growing trees suffer from dehydration because of soil salinization and dangerous amounts of salt ions can begin to build up in the trunk and leaves this dramatically decreases the yield.
While almonds are drought-tolerant and grow and even bear fruit in dry soils for years, the resulting harvest will be significantly lower. Soil aridity is less of an issue near the end of the growing season than it is at the start.
It has also been found that trees produce less when growing in heavy, clayish, poorly-drained soils, which can stunt growth and reduce yields, and also encourage the growth of plant-killing fungi.
Incorporate plenty of well-rotted organic matter when planting. Mulch the soil around your trees in spring with well-rotted organic matter, keeping the mulch well away from the trunks.
Planting and spacing almond trees
Almond trees are planted in rectangular or hexagonal arrangements, with separate rows of pollinators and main cultivars, usually alternating with each other.
The success of an almond tree planting relies heavily on providing the right growing conditions for the trees to take root. It’s important to give the roots a nice drink of water before putting them in the ground, so they can grow and establish themselves quickly.
Almonds, like many other nut trees, are extremely sensitive to having their taproot clipped or shoved into a hole that is too small. A wide hole is better than a very deep one but ensure that it is at least 60cm deep. To prevent matting, handle the other roots with the same care.
When you fill in the hole, make sure to pack the soil firmly around the roots, and ensure the graft union stays above the soil line to avoid disease. Once the hole is filled, give the tree plenty of water. It is not essential to feed at this stage, but you can fertilise lightly.
Space your trees 6 to 7 meters apart to ensure good air circulation.
You may need to use a tree guard to protect the stem of your young tree from animal and insect pests like borers.
How much water do almond trees require?
Rainfall is harmful anytime during the blooming and harvesting periods. Rain decreases bee activity and therefore fruit set, and during fruit development rain may cause fungal and bacterial diseases. Prior to harvest it can also cause brown rot on the fruits as shucks split.
Although almonds are drought tolerant, with a limited canopy and relatively shallow but wide root system, almonds must be watered correctly. Young trees need regular watering every 7 to 10 days. Mature trees also require irrigation during dry periods, especially during flowering, nut setting, and filling stages. Commercial farmers ensure the trees receive about 10 000 cubic metres of water per hectare per season.
On the other hand, if the nuts receive rain week after week, the trees are prone to rot.
A wet environment on the leaves and fruits from overhead watering might encourage fungi to grow. Therefore, farmers often use subsurface drip watering and deep root watering to prevent this. They also save a lot on water as these systems are more economical and eco-friendly, since they eliminate wasteful water evaporation.
In the garden, drip irrigation or watering your trees by hand at ground level is best.
Fertilising almond trees
Nutrient deficiencies in almond trees can manifest through various symptoms like discoloured leaves, reduced growth, and poor fruit yields.
The three primary macronutrients in fertilisers, Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), called NPK, are very important for all plants, and also almonds.
Nitrogen (N)
Most of the nitrogen applied to an almond tree becomes part of the kernel, hull and shell, and the trees pull large amounts of nitrogen from the soil, and of all nut trees, almonds are the most nitrogen demanding. In almond trees, nitrogen is needed to renew and invigorate fruiting wood, and for fruit growth and development. The greatest need for nitrogen occurs when the almond trees come into production.
A lack of nitrogen often leads to yellowing leaves.
For young trees, applying small but consistent applications of nitrogen throughout the growing season is very beneficial.
Mature trees have lower fertiliser needs and require most of their nitrogen in early spring. Therefore, a light late summer application before the leaves drop in autumn will provide the tree with sufficient nitrogen for early spring growth. Another application should be applied during spring when the trees are actively growing.
Apply a uniform irrigation that is adequate to carry the nitrogen into but not past the root zone.
In excess, nitrogen can lead to excessive vegetative growth, which can create shading for fruiting wood, and have a detrimental effect on nut quality.
Phosphorus (P)
Phosphorus, although needed in much smaller quantities, is particularly important for root development, flower initiation and energy transport within the tree.
Potassium (K)
While potassium is utilized by the tree to support growth, it is also critical during nut development for nut-fill and the highest yields.
Almond kernels contain 0.75% K (USDA data); and potassium represents more than 2% of the dry weight of almond hulls. Therefore it makes sense that if potassium and nitrogen are removed from the soil in the greatest quantities by the trees, they must be replaced at high levels.
Calcium (Ca)
Calcium helps build the tree and is particularly important for the development of good quality, disease resistant nuts.
Sulphur (S)
Sulphur has an important role as it supports the efficient production of proteins. It can be supplied with potassium or magnesium fertilisers in the form of potassium sulphate or magnesium sulphate.
Magnesium Sulphate
Known in most households as “Epsom Salts”, it is a combination of Magnesium and Sulphur. Both nutrients are beneficial for plant health, being responsible for chlorophyll formation and the plants’ ability to produce food such as protein, carbohydrates and sugars, and therefore plant energy.
Magnesium is used for correcting and balancing soil chemistry ratios between Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium, to correct soil structure and bind sandy soils for water and nutrient retention.
While levels of magnesium are normally adequate in most garden soils, maintenance applications may be needed to maintain production and quality.
Micronutrients
Micronutrients are essential elements plants need in tiny amounts for vital functions like photosynthesis, enzyme activation, and cell structure.
Many organic based and chemical NPK fertilisers are enriched with macro and micro elements.
For home gardeners Trelmix, a trace element solution, is easy for to apply to plants to remedy the deficiencies listed below.
Iron (Fe)
The micronutrient taken up in greatest quantities by almond trees is iron. Symptoms of iron deficiency appear on young leaves first, showing as a light green to yellow tissue coloration between the veins. Groves which have been planted on soils with high pH levels (highly alkaline), and which often contain calcium carbonate can suffer from iron deficiency. Iron application early in the season is very important.
Boron (B) & Zinc (Zn)
Boron and zinc are both required for strong tissue growth, and important for flowering and pollination to ensure good fruit set. Because they need to be readily available to the tree before flowering, applications are best applied prior to nitrogen application in the spring.
Boron deficiency may be a problem in orchards on sandy soils and/or where irrigation water is low in Boron, causing the following problems: Low nut set, excessive nut drop, malformed nuts, and undesirable vegetative growth.
Zinc helps to maintain growth processes, especially new tissue development.
Magnesium (Mg)
Magnesium (Mg) is a critical nutrient for almond trees, and essential for leaf health, photosynthesis, and overall tree vigour. Deficiency symptoms often appear after periods of rapid shoot growth, starting with yellowing on the basal (older) leaves.
Almond Nuts Image by Pictavio from PixabayHarvesting
How long do almond trees take to bear?
The trees typically start bearing nuts from the third year after planting and reach peak production between 7 and 8 years.
When are almonds harvested?
Depending on the tree variety, almonds are usually ready for harvest between late summer and early autumn (January to April).
The nuts go through 3 ripening stages. During the first stage, the almond hulls are completely closed. During the second stage the hulls start to split open but the nuts will remain attached to the shell, indicating they aren’t ripe yet. At this stage the nuts will start to slowly dry as they are now exposed to the sun and wind. Stage three is when around 95% of the hulls have broken open. The first husk splits appears at the top of the tree and spread downward. Nuts that have fallen from the tree are another sign to begin harvesting.
During harvest time, it’s essential to pick the nuts immediately. Gardeners shake the nuts off manually, and farmers use mechanical harvesters.
As soon as you harvest your almonds, remove the hull from the shells. It is easy to peel off with your hands if you harvest at the right time. To prevent mould, place your shelled almond in a drying tray and allow them to dry completely before storing.
Post-harvest care of almond trees
Providing nutrients and water to your trees after they have been harvested is crucial to their long-term health. Post-harvest feeding fosters enhanced root growth and carbohydrate rebuilding, as well as vigorous flower formation and leaf expansion in the next growing season.
Never skip the post-harvest irrigation of almonds. If you water your trees after harvest, their leaves will stay vigorous until they drop in autumn. By avoiding early defoliation, you give the tree enough time to move nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus from the leaves to the fruit spurs, where they are needed for bloom and fruit formation next season.
Applying a dressing of Nitrogen fertiliser after harvesting is recommended. You can apply nitrogen on its own or mixed with other nutrients such as calcium, potassium, and phosphorus.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning promotes better growth and is essential for shaping the trees for maximum productivity and nut quality. Almond trees in South Africa are primarily pruned during their dormant winter season, from late June through July. Pruning serves distinct purposes throughout the phases of your trees growth. Pruning of young trees is to help form scaffold branches, and later in its growth to regulate the tree’s height.
Young trees are headed at 1m, and in the first year of growth it is a good practice to prune almonds into an open vase shape with 3 to 4 nicely spaced scaffold branches. In subsequent years scaffolds are trained to fill their allotted spaces in the tree.
At maturity, pruning consists of water-sprout removal, removal of dead and interfering branches, and limb thinning. Little pruning is needed since so many fruiting points are needed for cropping, and vigour is low in mature trees.
Since fruiting spurs live for about 5 years, fruiting wood should be renewed every 5 years. Alternatively, 20% of the canopy should be pruned back each year to allow new wood to grow and replace the old.
In practice, almond trees can be pruned every other year with no loss of productivity. Under proper management, trees should have many 38 to 50cm long 1-year-old shoots. These shoots will branch, grow spurs, and become fruiting wood in subsequent years.
Pruning also helps to improve air circulation. This helps in disease prevention and ensures better sunlight penetration for nut development.
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Almond Problems:
Nutrient Deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies in almond trees can manifest through various symptoms like discoloured leaves, reduced growth, and poor fruit yields.
Such imbalances can arise from improper fertilisation practices, soil conditions, and competition from weeds. Key nutrients to monitor include nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium.
Find correct fertilisation requirements under Cultivation above.
Water Stress and Irrigation Issues
Water stress profoundly affects almond tree health, with both over-watering and under-watering posing significant risks.
Insufficient watering, especially in sandy or quick-draining soils, deprives the tree of vital moisture essential for nutrient transport and cellular functions, leading to wilting and eventual leaf drop.
Conversely, overwatering can lead to root asphyxiation, promoting conditions conducive to root rot and fungal diseases.
Both scenarios impede the tree’s ability to uptake necessary nutrients, compounding existing deficiencies.
Implementing an irrigation schedule that considers seasonal variations, soil type, and tree age is essential.
Almond Pests:
Almond trees can fall prey to numerous pests and diseases that impair their growth and productivity. Common pests include aphids, and spider mites. This makes early detection and management essential.
Management Tips Include:
Cultural Controls: Prune infested branches, ensure proper irrigation to prevent stress, and remove weeds that host pests.
Biological Control: Encourage natural predators like ladybirds for aphid control.
Chemical/Organic Control: Apply dormant oils/sprays in early spring, and use insecticidal soaps or specific miticides during the growing season for mite and scale outbreaks.
Use organic or chemical sprays only when necessary.
Aphids
These common sap-sucking insects cause leaf curling and, along with scales, exude honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mould.
Members can click here to read more about Aphids
Click here to see Google Images of Aphids in South Africa
Scale Insects
Scale insects attach themselves to stems and leaves and suck nutrients from the plant. They require treatment with oil-based sprays.
Members can click here to read more about Scale
Click here to see Google Images of Scale Insects in South Africa
Ants
While not causing direct tree damage, ants protect aphids and scales from predators and can impact harvest.
Spider Mites (Red Spider Mite, European Red Mite, Citrus Red Mite)
These tiny pests thrive in hot conditions causing leaves to turn yellow, bronzed, and curl downwards.
Members can click here to read more about Spider Mites
Click here to see Google Images of Spider Mites in South Africa
Thrips
Thrips attack flowers and young leaves, causing discolouration and distortion.
Click here to see Google Images of Thrips in South Africa
Caterpillars
Caterpillars like leafrollers feed on foliage and can skeletonize leaves.
Click here to see Google Images of Leafroller Caterpillars
Twig Wilters
Twig wilters like the Gardenia twig wilter is a central and Southern African species of Coreidae in the order Hemiptera. They inject enzymes into young twigs, causing them to wilt, and are common pests on fruit-bearing trees and shrubs.
Click here to see Google Images of Twig-wilters in Southern Africa
Root Nematodes:
Nematodes can severely damage root systems, particularly in young trees.
Click here to see Google Images of Nematodes in South Africa
Almond Diseases:
Diseases such as bacterial spot and various other fungal infections can further debilitate the trees if left unchecked. These typically manifest as leaf spots, cankers, or shoot dieback, necessitating regular inspection and prompt treatment.
Management Strategies:
The best way to keep tree diseases at bay is to put up a strong defense.
Pruning:
Pruning disturbs the cambium layer of trees, so the risk of infection grows. This means you should keep pruning tools clean to prevent the spread of disease.
Orchard Hygiene:
Removing mummified fruit and infected twigs can reduce the inoculum source.
Irrigation Management:
Avoiding overhead irrigation minimizes the spread of the bacteria. Drip irrigation in best.
Preventative Spraying:
Preventative spraying and early detection of any disease outbreaks and management is essential. Fungicides help prevent many fungal infections from growing in almond plants. To reduce the likelihood of resistance developing, fungicide chemicals should be rotated.
Bacterial Spot
This pathogen is a significant concern for almond and stone fruit producers, causing leaf spots, fruit blemishes, and, in some cases, defoliation and yield reduction.
Multiple applications of copper-based Bactericides are recommended to protect trees, starting early in the season (e.g. budswell, pink bud).
Click here to see Google Images of Almond Bacterial Spot
Caution:
Given that almonds are a tree nut, which is one of the 9 most common allergens, avoid almonds if you are allergic to them.
Almonds contain quite high levels of oxalates – so if you have kidney/gallstone issues it may be wise to avoid almonds and remember to always check with your GP if you are unsure.