Almond

Growing

When planting almond trees, remember that most popular varieties are self-incompatible, meaning you must plant at least two different varieties near each other to ensure successful pollination. While some specific cultivars like 'Tuono' can produce fruit on their own, the most common types, such as 'Nonpareil', rely heavily on insect pollinators to move pollen between different trees. If you are growing in a container, you can use specific rootstocks to keep the tree at a manageable, smaller size.

To keep your tree healthy, monitor for Bryobia rubrioculus mites, which are known to cause significant damage. You should also watch for various species of ants, such as pavement or thief ants, which can act as predators to the developing seeds. When the nuts are ready, harvest them when they are fully developed, as they will not continue to ripen once they have been picked from the tree.

For long-term use, you can store your harvest in a cool, dark cellar or the fridge. If you plan to freeze your almonds, be sure to blanch them first to maintain quality. Always keep your harvested nuts unwashed to help preserve them during storage.