Almond

Profile

Family

Rosaceae

Habit

Tree

Height

6.5 m

Spread

6 m

Growth

medium

Lifespan

300 years

First yield

after 6 years

Hardiness

zone 7–10

Shade tolerance

full sun

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

very dry – very moist

pH

5.5 – 8.5

Synonyms

P. amygdalus. P. communis. L. Amygdalus communis. A. dulcis, Mandelbaum

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Seeds (raw, cooked) can be used to make nut milk, marzipan, butter, and unripe greens with skin as vegetables, containing approximately 50% oil. The yield is around 1-2 tons per hectare, providing about 600-1200 kcal per square meter. Additionally, edible gum can be obtained from tree wounds.

Other uses: Oil lubricates delicate mechanisms, soaps, and cosmetics soften the skin. Dye from leaves results in green color, while fruits and roots produce dark grey to green dye, and leaves yield yellow dye. Injured leaves, when rubbed, can remove strong odors. Rubber glue is produced, and burnt shells serve as absorbents for coal gas. Burnt fruit skin, rich in potassium, is used for making soap.

Growing

Thrives in well-drained, moisture-retaining soil that has some lime content. It can grow in both sunny and partially shaded areas, but fruits better when exposed to sunlight. The almond tree is commonly grown in temperate regions for its edible seeds, with various named varieties available. It thrives in a Mediterranean climate with a distinct transition from winter to spring. In regions with mild, maritime climates, early blooming can make the tree vulnerable to frost damage. To enhance yields, manual pollination may be necessary due to a lack of pollinating insects during flowering. While the almond tree is partially self-fertile, planting at least two different varieties can increase productivity. There are two main types of almonds: bitter and "sweet" seeds. Bitter almonds contain hydrogen cyanide and are used for making marzipan and flavoring, but should not be consumed directly. Sweet almonds, although safe in moderation, can be toxic in large quantities, with around 900 seeds considered a lethal dose for an average adult. Grafting almond trees onto plum rootstocks enhances their resilience, especially in hot, arid soils. Almond seedlings are recommended for dry soils, while peach rootstocks are better suited for heavier soils. The trees are partially self-sterile and have shallow roots that may produce suckers if damaged. Plants in this genus are highly susceptible to honey fungus infections.

Propagation

Seeds need a 2–3 month cold period for stratification and are ideally sown outdoors in a box right after they mature. Stored seeds should also be sown early in the year in a box, ensuring protection from animals. Germination may be slow, sometimes taking up to 18 months. Once the seedlings reach a sufficient size, they should be moved to individual pots. They should be kept in a greenhouse or cold frame during the first winter and then planted outside in late spring or early summer of the next year. Semi-ripe cuttings with a small piece of old bark can be rooted under glass in July or August, although this process is challenging. Soft cuttings from robust plants can be cultivated under glass from spring to early summer. Mature woody cuttings should be rooted under glass in late autumn. Layering is typically done in spring.

Notable

Merkmale: Teilweise selbstfruchtbar; Es wird auf Wurzelstöcken aus Mandeln, Pfirsichen und Pflaumen angebaut. Mandeln sind langsamer, wurzeln aber tiefer und sind toleranter gegenüber schlechtem Boden und Trockenheit, während sie keine Staunässe mögen. Pfirsichwurzelstock ist flacher, bevorzugt feuchteren Boden und verträgt saureren Boden. Pflaumenwurzelstock ist für schwere und durchnässte Böden geeignet und bringt Zwergbäume hervor; Es gibt auch Hybriden.

Origin & habitat

Europe - Eastern Mediterranean to Central Asia.

Dickichte, Hecken an steinigen Orten, Kulturland

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