Almond

Sweet almonds require full sun, sharply drained soil around pH 6.0–7.5, and a climate suited to their early bloom and long ripening season. Use edible sweet-almond nursery stock, provide moderate fertility, and allow several years for establishment before regular nut production.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Water deeply during establishment; adjust to rainfall and soil

Spacing

240 in

First harvest

3–5 years

Tips

• Choose a self-fertile cultivar or plant a compatible pollinizer with overlapping bloom.
• Water deeply during nut development while avoiding wet soil around the crown.
• Apply nitrogen in modest active-growth doses based on soil testing and tree vigor.
• Prune for an open, well-lit canopy and remove mummified nuts that harbor pests.
• Harvest when hulls split and shells dry, then dry the nuts further in a ventilated pest-proof space.

Plant nursery stock in spring, or in fall where winters are mild, keeping the root flare at soil level and any graft above soil.