Cultivation and historical use of almonds
Cultivated as early as 4,000 BC, almonds (Prunus dulcis) are believed to have originated in Central and Southwest Asia, although their exact origin is unknown.
Throughout history, this type of dried fruit has had great religious and cultural importance.
Almonds, in fact, deserve a mention in the Bible too, when in the Book of Numbers Aaron's rod blossomed and produced almonds.
The Romans also had a special place in their hearts for almonds, showering newlyweds with them as a good omen of fertility, and there are records suggesting they were a prized ingredient for the Egyptian pharaohs.
This custom has come down to us: sugar-coated almonds are in fact the renowned confetti given at weddings to represent happiness and romance, good health and good fortune.
In Sweden, at Christmas, they are hidden in cinnamon-flavored rice puddings to bring good luck for the coming year to whoever finds them.
Explorers are thought to have eaten almonds as they traveled the Silk Road between Asia and the Mediterranean, where it didn't take long for them to take root and flourish, especially in Spain and Italy.
In America, almond trees are now widespread, especially in California, where they were introduced in the mid-1700s, brought from Spain by the Padres Franciscani.
However, they did not adapt immediately to life in California and it took years of research and breeding to help them adapt to their new, cooler life on the coast.
By 1870, the problem was solved, and almond trees were now firmly established in California's Central Valley.
Growing conditions of the almond tree
Almond trees are sensitive plants and are demanding about growing conditions.
Trees require warm, dry climates , thriving especially in areas that have long, hot, dry, sunny summers and a long growing season.
That said, they also require a certain amount of chilling—about 200-500 chill hours per year at temperatures below 7°C (45°F)—to successfully break their buds' dormancy. This is why they aren't well-adapted to tropical climates.
They are particularly intolerant of wet soils and frosts and as such are well suited to places such as the Mediterranean basin, California and the East Coast.
P. dulcis loves sun. While they tolerate partial shade, they won't flower or fruit as well as they would if planted in full sunlight.
Although they prefer well-drained, deep, loamy soil, almond trees will tolerate other soil types, including poor ones, as long as they are not wet or poorly draining, which they absolutely cannot tolerate.
Conversely, and somewhat counterintuitively, trees require abundant rainfall—about 500–600 millimeters per year—or irrigation to produce good crops and full nuts, although they will survive with less water.
Traditionally, they were not irrigated until farmers discovered that they responded well to the right amount of irrigation provided at the right time.
They especially benefit from extra watering in early spring, throughout the summer, and sometimes during the early fall months, but they really need a boost at the beginning of the growing season, as starting the season too dry can result in a significant decrease in production.
However, it is important not to water during or near harvest time, as commercial growers stop watering about three or four days before harvest.
Almonds are generally not self-pollinating , so cross-pollination with a second variety is usually necessary for fruit production.
When the almond tree flowers
The almond tree typically blooms in early spring, usually between February and March, depending on the climate.
Exact timing may vary depending on the specific cultivar and location. The flowering period lasts about two to three weeks, during which the trees are covered in a blanket of delicate flowers.
The almond flowers are small and have five petals, with shades ranging from pale pink to white.
They have a sweet fragrance that attracts bees and other pollinators, making them an important part of any garden ecosystem. The flowers emerge before the leaves, creating a striking visual contrast with the bare branches.
Once pollination occurs, the flowers give way to small green fruits that eventually turn into almonds. It's fascinating to witness this transformation from delicate flowers to abundant harvests.
Tips for planting and caring for almond trees
Some tips for growing and caring for almond trees:
- Selecting the right cultivar : Choose a cultivar suited to your climate and growing conditions. Some popular varieties include Nonpareil, Carmel, and Mission. Consult local nurseries or agricultural extension offices for guidance.
- Choosing a suitable location: Almond trees thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Choose a spot in the garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid areas prone to waterlogging or heavy clay soil.
- Soil preparation : Before planting, prepare the soil by removing weeds and incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This helps improve drainage and provides essential nutrients for the tree's growth.
- Planting : Dig a hole wide and deep enough to accommodate the tree's root system without crowding or bending the roots. Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the bud union (the swollen area where the scion is grafted onto the rootstock) is above ground level.
- Irrigation : Almond trees have moderate water requirements, especially during the first few years after planting. Provide regular irrigation, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged.
- Pruning : Prune almond trees during their dormant season to remove dead or diseased branches and maintain an open canopy. This allows for better air circulation and sunlight, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
- Pest and disease management : Regularly monitor your almond tree for signs of pests such as aphids, spider mites, or longhorn beetles. If necessary, implement appropriate pest control measures. Additionally, be aware of common diseases such as brown rot or leaf curl and take preventative measures such as proper sanitation and the timely application of fungicides, if necessary.
- Harvest : Almonds are generally ready for harvest in late summer or early fall, depending on the cultivar. The hulls will crack open, revealing the ripe nuts inside. Gently shake the branches or use a long pole to harvest the almonds.
