Watering the almond tree

• Almond tree origin
• Almond tree care and location
• Pruning almond trees
  
• Fertilizing almond trees
• Watering the almond tree

Almond tree origin

The almond tree (Prunus dulcis) is a deciduous tree or shrub and belongs to the rose family. The botanical name comes from the Latin for "plum", prunum. They are one of the oldest cultivated plants and their origin probably lies in the region between Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. Almonds are mentioned as an ingredient in the bread of Egyptian pharaohs, and among the Greeks they originated from a drop of blood from the goddess Cybele. With the Arabs and the Romans they spread to Northern Europe and landed in California with Spanish Franciscan friars. In Christianity, the almond was the symbol of the immaculate conception. Until the Romantic era, Christ was depicted with an almond-shaped halo.

Today, the United States harvests about 57% of the world's traded almonds. They grow to a height of 2 to 9 m, and the average life expectancy is about 70 to 80 years; rarely up to 150 years. The white to light pink blossoms of the almond tree appear in March to April, before the leaves sprout. They have five petals and are 3 to 4 cm in size. The dark green, glossy leaves are stalked, oblong-lanceolate to egg-shaped, 7 to 10 cm long and 2 cm wide. The edges are finely notched to serrated. The fruits of the almond tree are harvested in the fall. Harvesting begins with early varieties at the end of August and continues into November with the later-ripening varieties. The fruits are 3 to 6 cm long, velvety hairy, oblong to egg-shaped, and flattened. A distinction is made between sweet and bitter almonds. Bitter almonds are used to extract flavorings, but they are unsuitable for consumption raw because of their high hydrogen cyanide content, which is toxic. Cooking reduces the heat-sensitive hydrogen cyanide to a harmless level.

Almond tree care and location

A warm, sunny to slightly shady and wind-protected location with well-drained and slightly calcareous soil is ideal for planting almond trees. They do not like waterlogging, overly acidic or heavily compacted soil. To protect the early flowers from frost damage, a location in a courtyard or in front of a wall is recommended. Planting is best done in spring or late summer. A stake is essential to give the plant support in the first few years. The grafting point should be above the soil surface when planting to prevent rot at the base of the trunk and the development of wild shoots.

Pruning almond trees

Almond trees are harvested in autumn cut backto ensure they remain vital and retain their beautiful crown. Inward-growing, crossing shoots, and competing shoots that grow close and parallel to each other are removed. Dead wood is easily visible in the spring after bud break and can also be removed. Pruning can prevent monilia disease (tip blight).

Fertilizing almond trees

A mulch layer of mature compost provides the tree with nutrients and protects the soil from drying out. Fertilize in spring with mature compost and horn shavings supplies the tree with important nutrients.

Watering the almond tree

The effects of climate change are noticeable in our regions. Rising temperatures and longer dry periods put trees under stress. Depending on the location and the climatic situation, more frequent Water than necessary in previous years. Almond trees are sensitive to drought, and irrigation is particularly important in the first two years. Low soil moisture inhibits growth and lowers yields.

Like many nut-bearing trees, almond trees have a high water requirement. A general rule of thumb is 75 to 100 liters for young trees and 150 to 200 liters for older trees. Filling one watering bag will provide young trees with sufficient water. For existing trees, 2 to 3 watering bags can be connected with a zip fastener to water them. Especially in spring and summer, watering should be done 1 to 2 times per week. To ensure consistent soil moisture, drip irrigation with tree bath watering bags Recommended. Two holes in the bottom release water to the tree over several hours. The roots can absorb the water better, preventing waterlogging and saving water that doesn't seep into the soil. Furthermore, the watering bag covers the surface of the soil, preventing water from evaporating.

Attaching and filling the water bags is simple and straightforward. The bag is placed around the tree trunk like a jacket and zipped shut. The next step is to fill the bag with enough water so that, after further adjustment, no wrinkles remain in the bottom area, and then let it fill.