Lexi Webster
Almonds are a widely planted crop in Australia, with a history of cultivation in the country dating back to the 1800s. They are generally trouble-free plants but can encounter issues with frost, birds, and pollination. Almond trees are best suited for warm and dry areas with mild winters, dry springs, and hot, dry summers. They require well-drained soil and partial sunlight, and should be watered regularly during the growing, flowering, and fruiting seasons. Almond trees are also self-pollinating, with certain varieties such as 'All In One' and 'Dwarf Self-Pollinating Almond' being suitable for large pots or planter boxes. Harvesting can begin after 2-3 years, when the outer fleshy hull starts to split open.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soil | Well-drained, slightly acidic (pH 5.8-7.0) |
| Climate | Warm and dry with mild wet winters, dry springs, and hot dry summers |
| Frost | Vulnerable to late frosts and freezes |
| Watering | Regular and deep watering during growing, flowering, and fruiting seasons; drought-tolerant but produce more almonds when well-watered |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Fertiliser | Balanced fertiliser, organic or inorganic; feed at least twice a year in autumn and spring |
| Pruning | Thin dead, diseased, and tangled wood to open the centre of the tree; prune in winter when the weather is dry |
| Harvest | After 2-3 years when the outer fleshy hull starts to split open |
| Varieties | Sweet and bitter; Hard shell, Soft shell, and Paper shell varieties |
| Pollination | Self-pollinating varieties available, but cross-pollinating varieties produce heavier crops |
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What You'll Learn
- Almond tree requirements: full sun, well-drained soil, and protection from frost
- Planting: dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, position, and backfill with soil
- Watering: regularly and deeply, but be careful not to overwater
- Feeding: use a balanced fertiliser, with additional nutrients during flowering and fruiting
- Harvesting: after 2-3 years, when the outer hull starts to split open
Almond tree requirements: full sun, well-drained soil, and protection from frost
Almond trees require full sun, well-drained soil, and protection from frost to thrive. They are native to the Middle East and flourish in Mediterranean climates with hot, dry summers and ample sunshine. Here are some detailed guidelines on meeting these requirements:
Full Sun:
Almond trees need at least six to eight hours of full sun daily to bear the most flowers and nuts. Choose a sunny spot when selecting a planting location. Ensure the area receives abundant sunlight and is free from shadows cast by nearby structures or trees. Space your almond trees 15 to 20 feet apart to avoid overcrowding and allow each tree sufficient sunlight.
Well-Drained Soil:
Well-drained soil is crucial for healthy almond tree growth. Almond trees prefer light, fertile, and deep soils that allow water to drain effectively. Sandy loam to sandy clay soils are ideal, while poorly drained or heavy clay soils should be avoided as they can hinder drainage and promote fungal diseases. Before planting, till the soil deeply to facilitate root development and mix in organic matter or fertiliser to improve soil fertility and texture.
Protection from Frost:
Almond trees are extremely sensitive to frost, which can damage their flowers and reduce nut production. To protect your almond trees from frost, choose late-blooming varieties that minimise the risk of cold damage from spring frosts. Planting in a location sheltered from harsh winds and cold air drafts can also help shield your trees from frost damage. Ensure you provide adequate spacing and staking for support, especially in windy areas, to prevent damage to the trees' delicate roots and branches.
Additionally, proper timing of planting and harvesting can help mitigate the effects of frost. Aim for a frost-free period of seven to eight months, as almonds take this long to mature fully. Regularly monitor weather conditions and use appropriate coverings or protective structures if unexpected frosts are forecast during the blooming or fruiting season.
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Planting: dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, position, and backfill with soil
When you're ready to plant your almond tree, start by digging a hole that's about twice the width of the root ball. The depth of the hole should match the depth of the root ball. This will give your tree's roots plenty of room to spread out and establish themselves.
Before placing the tree in the hole, gently remove it from its container and carefully tease the roots apart. Take care to cut away any circled or tangled roots, as these can hinder the tree's growth.
Once you've prepared the roots, carefully position the tree in the centre of the hole, ensuring it's straight and secure. Begin to fill the hole back up with soil, gently firming it down as you go to eliminate air pockets. It's important to use soil that drains well, as almond trees don't tolerate waterlogged conditions.
After planting, water the tree well to settle the soil around the roots. Keep the soil moist for several weeks to help the young tree establish itself. Form a raised ring of soil around the outer edge of the root zone to help retain water.
If you're planting in a pot or planter box, follow similar steps. Choose a pot that's at least 600mm wide and partially fill it with a quality potting mix. Position your tree, backfill with potting mix, and gently firm the soil down. Water the tree thoroughly and apply mulch to help retain moisture.
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Watering: regularly and deeply, but be careful not to overwater
Almond trees require regular and deep watering during their growing, flowering, and fruiting seasons, which usually span from spring to autumn. While they are drought-tolerant, well-watered trees tend to produce more almonds.
To ensure your almond tree receives adequate water, it is essential to water it thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots. Maintaining moist soil for several weeks is necessary while the new plant establishes itself. Forming a raised ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone helps retain water where it is needed.
Applying mulch generously over the root area further aids in water retention. A thick layer of organic mulch, approximately 10 centimetres, not only conserves water but also provides additional nutrients to the soil.
However, it is crucial to be cautious and avoid overwatering. Almond trees do not require supplemental irrigation once they are mature, especially in drought-prone regions. The soil type and climate play a role in determining the optimal watering frequency. Checking the soil moisture level is a simple way to gauge whether your almond tree needs water. If the soil is dry, it's an indication that watering is necessary.
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Feeding: use a balanced fertiliser, with additional nutrients during flowering and fruiting
Almond trees require a balanced fertiliser, with additional nutrients during flowering and fruiting. The main fertilising period for almond trees is in autumn and spring. You can use Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser or a similar product.
Almonds are usually the first trees to break winter dormancy, often in August, so they are vulnerable to late frosts. To protect your almond trees from frost damage, plant them in a spot that is sheltered from cold air and has a slightly warmer micro-climate. This will help to ensure that the trees do not experience late-winter freeze damage or bloom too early.
Almond trees have a chill requirement, which means they need a certain number of hours below 7°C and above 0°C to end their dormancy and start growing again. This chill requirement can vary depending on the variety of almond tree. During an extremely mild winter, the tree may not get enough chill hours, leading to poor pollination and uneven blooms.
To promote healthy growth and a good crop of almonds, it is important to water your trees regularly and deeply during the growing, flowering, and fruiting seasons. While almond trees are drought-tolerant, they will produce more almonds when they are well-watered. However, be careful not to overwater, as almond trees do not tolerate waterlogging and will drown if the soil is waterlogged.
In terms of soil, almond trees prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soils with a pH between 5.8 and 7.0. They can be grown in large pots or planter boxes, but look for dwarf, self-pollinating varieties if you choose this option.
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Harvesting: after 2-3 years, when the outer hull starts to split open
After about 2-3 years, when the outer hull starts to split open, it is time to harvest your almonds. You will know that they are ready when you see the paper kernels splitting. You can store the almonds in their shell for months, but once they are shelled, they should be kept in an airtight container.
Before you harvest, you can spread a tarp under the canopy and knock the tree to collect the nuts. Alternatively, you can harvest by hand.
Almonds are usually the first trees to break winter dormancy, often in August. This makes their blooms vulnerable to a late freeze, so some form of protection is required. To minimise the risk of frost damage, plant your almond tree in a slightly warmer micro-climate, such as the lower, north-facing side of a garden bed filled with tall evergreens. This will create a barrier against cold air.
Birds, such as cockatoos and parrots, can also damage almond trees, so protection measures are necessary. However, almond trees are vulnerable to snagging on nets, so it is recommended to make a frame from polypipe, with white bird netting stretched over the top and pegged to the ground.
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Frequently asked questions
Almonds flower early, so they should be in a protected area where late frosts won't damage the flowers. The perfect climate for almonds is a warm, dry area with mild, wet winters, dry springs, and hot, dry summers. They also require well-drained, slightly acidic soils (pH 5.8-7.0).
Almonds are available in two types: sweet and bitter. Sweet almonds are widely grown at home and ideal for eating. Bitter types are used for almond essence. Varieties commonly used in home gardens include hard shell, soft shell, and paper shell types.
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots, and cut away any circled or tangled roots. Position in the hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone to keep water where it's needed. Always water well after planting and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the plant establishes.
Almond trees should be watered regularly and deeply during the growing, flowering, and fruiting seasons. They are drought-tolerant but produce more almonds when well-watered. Feed your tree at least twice a year in autumn and spring with a fertiliser. Pruning should take place in winter when the weather is dry.
Almond trees start producing from the third year. Harvest almonds when the outer fleshy hull starts to split open. You can spread a tarp under the canopy and knock the tree to collect the nuts. Store the almonds in their shell for months. Once shelled, store them in an airtight container.
