Almond tree   /   Prunus dulcis

Geographic origin: Western Asia.
Adult size: Height 8 to 10 metres.
Foliage: Deciduous.
Type of soil: Dry, light, permeable and deep.
Climate: Extremely hardy, but the flowers will die if temperatures fall below -2°C.It is difficult to ensure a regular crop except in Mediterranean regions.
Position: Full sun.
Pollinators: Requires a different variety for pollination.


Properties and uses:
The almond tree is covered with magnificent white flowers at the end of winter before the appearance of its leaves. Any frosts that occur after flowering can kill off the crop for that year. Once the tree has been pruned into shape, it is just a question of removing any runners or dead branches and cutting back any branches that are too long. The green almonds can be harvested in July and the hard ones in September The Ferraduel almond is a broad hard almond that is flat and dark brown in colour. It is often used to make sugared almonds. The Ferragnes almond is a softer and longer almond; it is quite thick and is brown in colour. It is either eaten whole or sliced.

Plant them now: the shortest way to your plate is through your garden!


The different varieties:
- Almond tree 'Avijor': is self-fertile. This almond tree is vigorous and productive and produces a hard-shelled almond. Its flowering is late.
- Almond tree 'Ferragnes': is an almond with a semi-hard shell, long, rather thick and brown kernels. Eaten as it is or flaked. It is a late blooming variety .
- Almond tree 'Ferraduel': is a hard-shelled almond, with flat, dark brown kernel, eaten as it is or used in the making of sugared almonds. It is a late blooming variety.
- Almond tree 'Princesse': produces fruits in soft shells; their flavour is close to the pistachio's savour. It blossoms late, in March.
- Almond tree 'Guara': is self-fertile. A soft-shelled almond with abundant production. Late flowering variety.
- Almond tree 'Texas': comes from the USA. This vigorous, highly productive Almond tree produces an almond which has a semi-hard to hard shell. It is a late blooming variety.