Tips for Growing Almonds

Almond is a long-lived, nutty fruit species, which tolerates drought well, but is therefore sensitive to relatively high humidity.

During winter dormancy, almonds can withstand a shorter period of very low temperatures so it is grown in countries with colder climates.

The largest problem in growing almonds is frost, temperatures below zero at the time of flowering since almonds are a fruit species that are among the first to begin flowering. Therefore, for cultivation in the colder climate choose varieties with the latest flowering.

This fruit species blooms before leafing, and the time of flowering depends on the variety, latitude, altitude, temperature, and humidity during winter and spring. If you decide to plant almond trees, here is how to do it.

Almond flowering lasts on average from five to thirty days and begins at temperatures from 8 ° C to 10 ° C. In the period when the activity of honey bees is reduced, in order to ensure good fertilization, it is recommended to introduce bumblebees and solitary bees into the garden.

Most varieties of almonds are self-sterile (auto sterile), and intersterility has been determined among some varieties, so this should be taken into account when choosing varieties for your garden.

Some varieties are completely self-fertilizing or partially self-fertilizing, but for better fertilization, it is recommended to grow several varieties in the garden that bloom at the same time.

Due to its short dormancy period, the almond tree often suffers from late spring frost, and the degree of damage depends on the stage in which the flowers are located, the strength of the frost, and the length of its duration.

Almonds have a great nutritional and dietary value, as well as many substances beneficial to human health.

Some clinical trials have confirmed that daily consumption of raw almonds increases the level of “good bacteria” in the digestive tract, reducing the level of bad cholesterol and the occurrence of cardiovascular disease.

Its kernel has very high nutritional values, as it contains 60% vegetable oil (of which 98% is unsaturated fatty acids), 21% protein, 7 % sugar, 3% cellulose, and 2% minerals. Almonds are rich in vitamin E, as well as other antioxidants.

Almond nuts have a great use-value, and the prerequisites for the successful growth of these trees are a good choice of location and varieties.