Willis Orchard Co.
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
Prunus dulcis
Plant Common Name
Almond, Sweet Almond
General Description
Cultivated for more than 3000 years, the almond is one of the world's most prized and popular nut trees. Native from Syria to North Africa, it is cultivated worldwide for its sweet-flavored fruit kernels.
In addition to its flavorful almonds, this small deciduous tree offers beautiful white to pale pink flowers which open in early spring as the pale green, serrated, oval leaves begin to emerge. A few cultivars including 'Roseoplena' are grown primarily for their flowers. Ripening in late summer or early fall, the green, leathery-skinned, peach-like drupes have stony centers which contain a large oblong seed (the almond). Most almond cultivars are not self-fertile and require another cultivar nearby to produce fruit.
Preferring full sun and well-drained soils of modest to average to fertility, almond trees themselves are quite hardy but require particular conditions in order to produce a good harvest. They will not bloom or bear without a certain amount of winter chilling hours, however their early flowers and immature fruits are highly susceptible to killing spring frosts. Long, hot, dry summers are best for quality nut development, thus areas with cool, moist summer conditions should be avoided. To encourage best fruiting on mature trees, approximately one fifth of the oldest wood should be pruned back yearly during the dormant season.
Commonly grown almond varieties include Nonpareil, Carmel, Mission, Merced, Price Cluster, Peerless, Thompson, Butte and Monterey. About 42 percent of the world's almond production comes from California orchards.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 8
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Sunset Zone
2b, 3b, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21
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Plant Type
Fruit
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
0'-25' / 0.0m - 7.6m
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Width
0'-25' / 0.0m - 7.6m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Late Winter
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Native To
Northern Africa, Western Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Fall
