Almond Tree
Almonds are related to plums and peaches. The growth of almond tree is much like that of peach tree. Two types of almonds are found – sweet and bitter. Almonds that grow on bitter almond plants are inedible as the fruit contains cyanide. The favorable climate to grow almond tree is hot summers and cool winters. In the US, California is the only place where almond trees can survive. Growing an almond plant is very easy and as long as the soil is not very wet. Read below steps to know if you live in an area where it is favorable to grow almond plant and how it is cultivated.
Purchasing seedlings
The first step to grow almond tree is to purchase seedlings. You can get the seeds from any seed store; nursery or you can get it from a fruit bearing sweet almonds. In some varieties of almond plants, no almonds are grown.
Almonds that are available at grocery stores are salted, roasted that are not suitable for planting.
Choosing a perfect location to grow almond tree
You have to select an area where there is plenty of sunlight and well draining soil. Prior to planting an almond plant in the ground, it should be grown in a pot. However, it is important that you choose the location ahead of time.
Germinating almond seeds
- Take a bowl of warm water and place the almond seeds overnight. Remember that all seeds will not germinate so use 10 or more almond seeds.
- Almond shell is to be cracked half way until the nut can be seen inside.
- Fill soil in a small flowerpot. Make sure that the pot has holes on the bottom for water drainage.
- Put the flowerpots indoors in an area where it can get enough sunlight.
- Now the next step is to wait for the seeds to sprout.
Transplanting the sprout and caring for its development
- Plant the sprout in an area, which you have selected earlier. Remember that this area should not get strong winds.
- Water the plant from time to time. However, enough water is not required for the almond plant to grow, but you should water the plant at least once in a week.
- In winter season, prune the dead branches.
Digging a deeper hole
Dig a large hole so that it is perfect to withstand the almond tree’s root system. Transplant the almond plant carefully from the flowerpot in your dedicated place and put it in the hole. Fill the hole with soil and pack it firmly.
Putting Fertilizers
Put fertilizers around the almond tree only when the branches grow at least 4 to 6 inches long. Use nitrogen fertilizer to fertilize the soil. Initially, fertilizers are not required as the almond seed provides essential nutrients to the sapling.
Waiting time for fruit
You should at least wait 5 years to get almond fruit. Once an almond tree begins to carry fruit, it will endure every year.
Harvesting period
Pick the green fruits and allow it to dry. Once it dries, remove the nut. The harvesting period of almonds is late summer that is between July and October.
