Pistachio

Growing

Because they are desert-adapted, pistachio trees are remarkably resilient to salt and drought, but they are highly sensitive to excess moisture. When planting, ensure your soil is exceptionally well-drained; even though they can survive hard freezes, they are prone to root rot if the ground becomes waterlogged during the winter months. You should also avoid planting in areas with high humidity, as this can stress the tree.

To ensure a successful harvest, you must plant at least one male tree for every 8 to 12 female trees to provide enough pollen. As your trees mature, you may find it helpful to prune them to a manageable size, which makes the eventual harvest much easier. Be vigilant for signs of panicle and shoot blight, which can cause flowers and young shoots to die, or keep an eye out for the insect *Leptoglossus clypealis*.

When the nuts are ready, they are often harvested by shaking the tree to dislodge the drupes. Once you have gathered them, remember that they do not ripen further once picked, so they must be processed promptly. For long-term use, you can store the nuts unwashed in a cool, dark cellar or even in the fridge.