Almond trees are trees capable of withstanding winter, drought, and intense sunlight. However, this tree will only thrive in certain conditions and places.
Let us discuss places where this tree thrives and why it thrives there.
Can Almond Trees Grow Anywhere?
No, almond trees cannot grow anywhere. Almond trees thrive in zones 7 through 9. In the United States, those zones are the Southeastern states, the Southwest, the coastlines of Washington, Texas, Oregon, California to the west and finally up the coast to Massachusetts in the east.
Almond trees would only grow in places that have certain conditions. Read more about growing almond trees.
Soil
The soil should be well-draining, sandy, loamy or clay soil and have a 6 and 7 pH level. However, almond trees are normally tolerant of acidic and alkaline soil.
It should also have at least five feet of topsoil. The topsoil will create a mound around the trunk that assists in drainage.
Sun
For almond trees to thrive, they need full sun – they require a minimum of six hours of sunlight every day.
If the sun is exceedingly hot in your area, paint the south-facing side of the trunk with white latex paint. This will prevent sun-scorching.
Water
In an Almond trees first year, endeavour to flood the tree with water once each week.
Continue flooding the tree at least once every two weeks no matter the amount of rain or drought.
What Zones Do Almond Trees Grow In?
Almond trees thrive in zones 7 through 9. In the United States, those zones are:
- The Southeastern states,
- The Southwest,
- The coastlines of Washington,
- Texas,
- Oregon,
- California to the west
- The east, up the coast to Massachusetts
Where Do Almond Trees Grow Best?
Almond trees grow best in places with temperatures like the Mediterranean. That is to say places with warm, dry summers and mild but wet winters. These places should have temperatures between 59° and 86° Fahrenheit.1
Can Almonds Be Grown In The South?
Nearly all commercially grown Almonds are grown in Southern California. Almonds are also grown in South Africa.
Every year South Africa produces 200 to 300 tons of Almonds.
Can You Grow Almond Trees In Alabama?
Considering the fact that Alabama has only one Almond farm, it is safe to say that yes they can grow in Alabama.
Black Walnut trees are the main nut trees that blossom in Alabama, they are practically a favourite.
Can You Grow An Almond Tree In Texas?
Typically, Almond trees can not grow in Texas because their blooming period aligns with the winter which destroys the blossoms. Nonetheless, certain varieties of Almonds like “Hall’s Hardy” and “Mission” bloom later, so they can be grown in Texas.
How To Plant The ‘Hall’s Hardy’ Or ‘Mission’ Variety Of Almond In Texas
- Acquire a young healthy tree of either variety.
- Cut the main central limb, measuring from ground level, so the tree is 2 feet tall. Make sure this cut is parallel to the ground.
- Cut off all lateral branches as well.
- Find a sunny planting area and make a 6 to 12 inches high mound by piling up topsoil. Texas A&M University advises that the planting area be prepared in the winter and then the planting should take place in mid to late February.
- Make a planting thats twice as large as the almond trees root system in the middle of the mound.
- Take soil that is mixed with about 25 percent organic compost or other organic materials like peat moss, fallen leaves, and composted animal manure; and half fill the hole with it.
- Remove your almond tree from its nursery pot and set it into its planting hole. Distribute the roots evenly around the base of the tree, and bury it to the top of its roots with the rest of the soil and compost mixture. Water it well by running a sprinkler near the base for 30 to 60 minutes. After planting, water your tree thoroughly every three weeks; but in hot weather water it once each week. Wait for the soil to dry out and do not over water your almond tree.
- Fertilize your almond tree for the first time after its leaves are fully developed. Keep the area around your tree weed-free and clean up all fallen leaves and nuts to avoid insects and diseases. 2
Are Almond Fruits Poisonous?
There are two types of Almonds- sweet and bitter Almonds. Raw bitter almonds are quite poisonous. They contain a toxin called Glycoside amygdalin which is broken down into hydrogen cyanide and other compounds when eaten. Hydrogen cyanide is a toxin that can lead to death. Ingesting 6-10 bitter almonds in adults can lead to severe poisoning but ingesting over 50 can lead to death. In children and young adults, ingesting 6-10 can lead to death as well.
Sprouted or moldy almonds are also poisonous. They can sometimes contain Salmonella and poison molds which can produce mycotoxins. Mycotoxins can lead to digestive disorders and liver tumors.
Almonds or nuts in general that have been roasted, salted or cooked are less likely to contain high amounts of Mycotoxins. 3
Almond trees are also poisonous to dogs. Read more about it in this article.
Are Almond Trees Valuable?
Almond farming is very profitable, when done right of course. An industry report showed that an average of 1,400 to 2,600 pounds of almonds are produced per acre and each pound costs $0.90 to $2.10. A new almond farm has an average value of $5,000 to $ 6,000 while an older almond farm averages $20,000 to $30,000.
So, yes Almond trees are very valuable especially when grown in the right climate soil and temperature.
Citations Used In This Article
- How Do Almonds Grow? | How to Plant Almond Trees(publicgoods)
- Growing Almond Trees in Texas (gardenguides.com)
- Are almonds poisonous (healthline)
