Cultivating almond trees
A native of Iran and Afghanistan, the almond tree is a tree that, as its name suggests, produces almonds in late summer. Much hardier than you might think, the almond tree grows well enough in cold regions. Appreciated for its early flowering, the almond tree is one of the least easy-to-grow fruit trees given the many requirements it necessitates.
The almond tree is mainly grown for the high nutritional quality of its fruits, but the beauty of its bark and flowering rank it as one of the most beautiful ornamental garden trees. From its 40-foot height, the adult almond majestically overlooks the area where it thrives, allowing it to beautify a garden’s most remote corners with its magnificent deciduous foliage. The almond tree’s fruits are widely used in the cosmetic industry for the development of sweet oil beneficial to the skin of young children and adults. In cooking, the almonds are involved in the composition of many recipes. However, growing an almond tree in one’s garden can sometimes be much more problematic than we may think.
How to plant almond trees
Like the vast majority of trees, the almond tree can only grow in deep, well-drained soil. In contrast, and unlike many of its congeners, the almond tree is a tree that tends to appreciate rather calcareous soils. Moreover, it is important to find the suitable degree of sun exposure because even if this tree thrives in light and heat, it grows much better in slightly shaded locations. It is then important to choose a place in the garden where the young tree can freely grow and thrive, away from substantial drafts and winds. To put it in the ground, wait until the end of the summer’s hot weather and perform the planting work in soil amended with fertilizer. After planting and during the first year of its development, the almond tree shall be watered regularly to be able to continue its growth in the best possible conditions. Highly resistant to extreme weather conditions, the almond tree is unfortunately not distinguished by its longevity insomuch as its lifespan rarely exceeds half a century. However, its early flowering makes it one of the most interesting trees to grow, considering that its little white inflorescences foreshadow the arrival of spring as early as February.
How to maintain almond trees
During the first two or three years of growth, the almond tree should receive a sufficient supply of water weekly. For a successful almond cultivation, it is strongly recommended to amend the soil with fertilizer on a regular basis. The land must therefore be enriched before each spring flowering, the operation being renewed in the fall after fruiting. To prevent your tree from being subjected to virulent fungal attack, always make sure that the earth is not too damp, knowing that if this is the case, fungi are generally much more likely to develop and attack the tree. We must therefore prevent the soil from being completely drenched following irrigation, letting the land dry well before subsequent waterings. To get fruit in late summer, it is important for the flowering not to be affected by frost or cold periods. Notwithstanding, with regular care, the almond is a beautiful ornamental tree that can occupy a prominent place in orchards and open spaces.
Related posts:
Published in Planting by Alexander on 04 Jul 2011
