Watering the almond tree

• Almond tree origin
• Almond tree care and location
• Pruning almond trees
• Watering the almond tree
• Fertilizing almond trees

Almond tree origin

The almond tree (Prunus dulcis) is a deciduous tree or shrub and belongs to the rose family. The botanical name comes from the Latin name for "plum", prunum. They are one of the oldest cultivated plants and their origin probably lies in tropical China. Almonds are mentioned as an ingredient in the bread of Egyptian pharaohs and among the Greeks they came from the blood of the goddess Cybele. With the Arabs and the Romans they spread to northern Europe and with Spanish Franciscan monks they landed in California. In Christianity the almond was the symbol of the immaculate conception. Until the Romantic era, Christ was depicted with an almond-shaped halo.

Today, the United States of America harvests around 57% of the almonds traded worldwide. They grow to a height of between 2 and 9 m and have an average life expectancy of around 70 to 80 years; rarely up to 150 years. Before the leaves sprout, the white to light pink flowers of the almond tree appear in March to April. They have five petals and are 3 to 4 cm in size. The dark green, shiny leaves are stalked, oblong-lanceolate to egg-shaped, 7 to 10 cm long and 2 cm wide. The edge is finely notched to serrated. The fruits of the almond tree are harvested in autumn. The harvest begins with early varieties at the end of August and continues into November with the later-ripening varieties. The fruits are 3 to 6 cm long, velvety hairy, oblong to egg-shaped and flattened. A distinction is made between sweet and bitter almonds. Flavorings are extracted from bitter almonds, but they are not suitable for consumption raw as they are poisonous due to their high hydrogen cyanide content. When cooked, the heat-sensitive hydrogen cyanide evaporates to a harmless amount.

Almond tree care and location

A warm, sunny to slightly shady and wind-protected location with well-drained and slightly calcareous soil is ideal for planting almond trees. They do not like waterlogging, overly acidic or heavily compacted soil. To protect the early flowers from frost damage, a location in a courtyard or in front of a wall is recommended. Planting is best done in spring or late summer. A stake is essential to give the plant support in the first few years. The grafting point should be above the soil surface when planting to prevent rot at the base of the trunk and the development of wild shoots.

Pruning almond trees

Almond trees are pruned after the harvest in autumn so that they remain vital and retain their beautiful crown. Inward-growing, crossing shoots and competing shoots that grow close and parallel to each other are removed. Dead wood is easy to see in spring after it sprouts and can also be removed. The pruning measures can prevent the Monilia disease (tip blight).

Watering the almond tree

The effects of climate change are noticeable in our regions. Rising temperatures and longer dry periods put trees under stress. Depending on the location and the climatic situation, more frequent watering may be necessary than in previous years. Almond trees are sensitive to drought and watering is particularly important in the first two years. If the soil moisture is low, growth is inhibited and the yield is lower. Like many nut-producing trees, almond trees have a high water requirement. A general estimate of 75 to 100 liters for young trees and 150 to 200 liters for older trees can be estimated. By filling a watering bag, young trees are supplied with sufficient water. For existing trees, 2 to 3 watering bags can be connected with a zip to water them. Watering should be carried out 1 to 2 times a week, especially in spring and summer. To ensure even soil moisture, drip irrigation with tree bath watering bags recommended. Two holes in the lower area release water to the tree over a period of hours. The roots can absorb the water better, which prevents waterlogging and saves water that does not seep into the ground. The watering bag also covers the surface of the ground and prevents water from evaporating. Attaching and filling the water bags is simple and straightforward. The bag is placed around the tree trunk like a jacket and closed with a zip. In the next step, fill the bag with enough water that after further alignment there are no more wrinkles in the lower area and then let it fill up.

Fertilizing almond trees

A mulch layer of mature compost provides the tree with nutrients and protects the soil from drying out. Fertilize in spring with mature compost and horn shavings supplies the tree with important nutrients.