Background

The Almond is very closely related to the peach.
Almonds belong to the Rose family (Rosaceae).
They are believed to have originated in Asia.
Almonds have short chilling requirements (300 hours below 7degC). Once this cold requirement is me tthe tree will start to bloom.
Blossoms and small nuts on the trees can be damaged or killed by frosts and therefore need protection.
Good crop yields require additional irrigation.
The almond tree can grow 6-9 m in height.
The tree flowers in late Winter or in early Spring.
Bees are important pollinators for almond trees.
Trees will start bearing fruit at 3-4 years of age. They may continue to bear fruit for more than 50 years.

Cultivation

Almonds need well drained soils.
They are drought resistant, but will not produce nuts if there is a water deficit.
Organic fertiliser should be applied in both autumn and spring.

Bare rooted almonds should be planted in early winter.
If the tree is planted late in the season it may remain dormant.
Select four main branches at different levels on the trunk approximately 10-15cm apart.
Allow for an addition 2-3 main branches at shoulder height on the trunk.
Train to an open vase shape.
Each main branch should have an additional 2-3 secondary branches.
General pruning should consist of thinning old laterals and inward growing branches.
In summer prune lightly, approximately every 2 weeks to remove undesirable growth.
Older trees can be pruned more heavily to open up the centre of the tree.

Nuts begin to dry in early autumn.
Harvesting time is signalled when a few nut hulls have split and a few nuts have begun to fall.
When harvested hulls should be removed.
Dry exposed nuts in the sun. Nuts are sufficiently dry when the shell can be snapped.
Nuts will keep for 1 year.