How to grow almond tree at home
The Almond tree belongs to the Rosaceae family and is native to Africa and the Middle East. It can grow up to 25 feet tall and 15 feet wide. It produces flowers that can be pink or white in colour. Dwarf almond trees can grow up to 9 feet tall. It can take up to 5 years for almonds to produce fruits. It can be quite difficult to grow almond in containers, so its best to grow it directly in the ground.
Growing conditions for almond trees
Almond requires 6 to 8 hours of sunlight every day to grow well. This tree grows best in well-draining sandy loam soil that has a soil pH between 6 and 7. It can’t tolerate soil that is too compact. It cannot tolerate waterlogging conditions as well. Almonds can be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but overwatering can also damage them. You can fertilise almonds with slow-release fertiliser or compost 2 to 3 times a year. Almonds grow best when temperatures are between 24 to 27°C. They are not frost tolerant and can get affected when temperatures go below 10°C.
How to grow Almond tree at home
It can take some time to grow almonds from seeds. You can buy a sapling from your nursery. Almonds have a taproot system, so dig a hole that is big enough to fit the tap root. Amend the soil with some compost before planting the saplings. Certain varieties of almonds are not self-pollinating, You will need to plant two trees and cross pollinate them. If you don’t have enough space in your garden, you can plant self-pollinating varieties. Garden Prince and All in one Almond variety are some self-pollinating varieties. Livingston, Ruby, Padre and Mono are some of the best almond varieties to grow in your garden.
Pruning
Pruning your trees can provide proper air circulation which can reduce the extent of pests and disease attacks on your almond trees.
Remove dead and diseased branches on your almond tree.
Remove branches that cross one another
Remove branches that block sunlight and air circulation within the tree
Remove the branches that prevent the tree from growing upward.
Harvesting Almonds
When the hulls split apart revealing a light-coloured shell, it means that almonds are ready to be harvested. Birds and small insects can target the shells so you need to harvest them sooner before them. Tap the branches with the pole and lay a tarp below to collect the fallen almonds. These almonds must be dried properly before they are stored or they become mouldy.
Pests and Diseases
Aphids, Spider mites, Leaf rollers and leaf-rooted bugs are some of the pests that attack your almond tree. Almond trees can also be affected by a variety of fungal diseases.
Overwatering can also result in a variety of fungal diseases affecting your almond tree. Proper pruning of branches and irrigation practices can help to control pests to some extent.
Read more:
- How to grow pomegranate in your home.
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- How to grow lemon in your home.
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