How to Plant an Almond Tree

Almond trees can be a great addition to any garden or orchard. Not only do they produce delicious and nutritious almonds, but they also have beautiful blooms in the spring. If you're interested in planting an almond tree, here's what you need to know:

Choose the Right Location

Almond trees thrive in areas with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. They prefer well-draining soil and full sun. Before planting your almond tree, make sure you choose a location that meets these criteria. Almond trees can grow up to 30 feet tall, so make sure you choose a location with enough space for the tree to grow.

Prepare the Soil

Before planting your almond tree, you'll need to prepare the soil. Almond trees prefer soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH. If your soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH. You'll also want to add organic matter to the soil to improve drainage and fertility.

Plant the Tree

To plant your almond tree, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Gently remove the tree from its container, straighten out any bent roots, and place it in the hole. Backfill the hole with soil and water the tree well. You'll also want to stake the tree to keep it upright while it establishes a strong root system.

Care for the Tree

Once your almond tree is planted, it's important to care for it properly. Water the tree deeply once a week during the growing season, and mulch around the base of the tree to conserve moisture and control weeds. Fertilize the tree in the spring and again in the fall with a balanced fertilizer. Prune the tree in the winter to remove any dead or damaged branches, and to shape the tree to your desired size and shape.

Harvest Almonds

Almonds are typically ready to harvest in late summer or early fall, depending on the variety. The almond hulls will split open when the almonds are mature. To harvest the almonds, shake the tree and allow the almonds to fall to the ground. Gather the almonds and remove the hulls. Spread the almonds out to dry completely, and store them in a cool, dry place.

Now that you know how to plant and care for an almond tree, you can enjoy the delicious and nutritious almonds for years to come.