Almond trees have been around for so many years and served alot of purposes. They not only serve as aesthetics (decoration), food, and perfumes but also as a symbol. Due to their deep roots in religion and past/present cultures they represent alot of things.
What Do Almond Trees Symbolize?
Almond trees Symbolize different things in different languages, cultures and religions. In Christianity, the almond tree represents divine favour, approval, and the purity of the Virgin.
The almond nut is hidden within an outer skin or shell, bringing the idea of the essence hidden within things of little apparent importance: for instance, the divinity of Christ hidden within the mortal human form.
The almond tree can also signify approval. In the Bible, when God wanted to choose his spokesman. God had asked them to set down their rods and the owner of rod that blossoms will be his spokesman. Aaron’s rod had grown almond nuts and blossoms.
This is how almonds came to signify approval.
Almonds are also used to represent old age due to their white blossoms and resurrection.
In Hebrew, the tree’s early flowering and name “shakeid” which means to “wake” or “watch” causes it to symbolise new beginnings and God’s watchfulness.
In Judaism, the almond is sometimes referred to as the “Tree of Life,” and its shape is imitated by the shape of the menorah. The menorah is a candle holder used for Hanukkah, which is the Jewish Festival of Lights.
In ancient Aramaic, Its name, “luz,” is translated to mean light.
In India, the almond has a sexual meaning. The almond nut represents the vulva and eating it stands for the act of sex.
In Jewish mythology, it is represents Atys, who was born from a virgin from an almond. Jewish mythology also places the entrance to the underworld at the base of an almond tree.
When it comes to dreams, dreaming of almonds can mean a difficult problem about “something essentially precious, very often connected with sex”.
For the Chinese, the almond represents feminine beauty, fortitude in sorrow, and watchfulness. In general, Almonds can also mean virginity and conjugal happiness. Because it is the first flower of the year the blossom is called the Awakener. This stands for watchfulness, sweetness, charm, and delicacy.
The almond tree is as dynamic as life itself. It is the outcome of HEAVEN, EARTH, and WATER. The almond tree is also seen as the feminine, nourishing, sheltering image of the Great MOTHER, rooted in the earth and reaching toward the heavens, evocative of eternity. 1
How Do Almond Trees Pollinate?
Almond trees can be pollinated by;
- Hand
- Wind
- Bees
Hand Pollination
Every almond plant has plenty stamens and one pistil. When it’s time for pollination, pollen will be seen on the anthers. It usually looks yellow and dusty. Before you begin the process, please ensure that you have two varieties of almonds that are compatible.
These varieties must also bloom during the same time.
You can also use a self-pollinating variety like All-in-One, Tuono, or Independence. This makes hand pollination so much easier.
To hand pollinate almonds, transfer the pollen from the flowers on one tree into a jar or container, and quickly bring the pollen to the other tree. Next, use a paintbrush to lift some of the dust like pollen and brush it onto the stigma of the other tree.
You can also remove several flowers packed with pollen from one tree and touch the pollen-bearing anthers to the stigmas of flowers on the other tree. 2
Bee Pollination
Honeybees, bumble bees, blue orchard bees and wild bees are used to pollinate almonds. As a matter of fact, bees are nearly 100% responsible for the pollination of almonds.
Plant two almond trees that are self compatible 15 to 25 feet apart so that bees will be likely to visit flowers on both trees.
Wind Pollination
The wind can pollinate almond trees, specifically self-fertile varieties like All-in-One, Tuono, or Independence.
Can Almonds Be Pollinated Without Bees?
Yes, almonds can be pollinated by wind and by hand. Although, bees are the most common method of pollination for almond trees.
What Do Almond Trees Smell Like?
The almond tree has a strong, sweet and almond scent. It’s flowers smell sweet and floral with gourmand nuance of almond (fruit). So, basically almonds smell really sweet, even the almond oil has a faintly sweet, nutty aroma.
How Big Do Almond Trees Get?
Almond trees can grow up to 13 to 33 feet in height and trunks can expand to 12 inches in diameter. It’s width is equal is to the height. Experts advice that you space your almond trees 19 to 26 feet apart.
Can Almond Trees Be Kept Small?
The best and only way to keep an almond tree small is to plant it in a pot or container. Read this article to learn how to grow an almond tree in a pot.
Why Do They Cut Down Almond Trees?
Some farmers cut down their almond trees due to “devastating drought and new water restrictions”. In California, where about 80% of U.S almonds are produced drought has become a major setback for farmers.
Speculations insist that almond farming plays a major role in causing the drought. Sadly, with almond farmers being seen as the bad guys plus no water to properly care for almonds, farmers are chopping down their trees.
How Long Do Almond Trees Live?
Almond trees have can live for an average of 20 to 25 years. The almond tree can also live for 25-30 years before it is removed. This tree hits a plateau for yield around 15 years and then it begins to calmly decline.
Do Almond Trees Grow Fast?
Yes, almonds can grow fast of properly taken care of. They can grow 8 to 15 inches in one year. For an almond to develop really well and quickly it would need sufficient water, enough sunlight and a high in nitrogen fertilizer.
How Often Do They Replant Almond Trees?
Replanting or transplanting is not recommended for mature trees. This is because greater portion of the root will be lost during the digging up process. Loosing the roots can cause the trees to suffer from drought and die from stress later on. Here’s how to safely transplant an almond tree;
- Do not transplant or replant a tree during growing season but in early spring when it’s dormant.
- Prune all of the main branches to 20% of their length. To make the root mass easier to dig up, soak the ground around the almond deeply for a day or two.
- Dig a planting hole that is at least two times wider that it’s root and also as deep for the tree.
- Pick a site with enough sunlight, and moist but well-draining soil.
- If the soil isn’t healthy enough amend it with an organic rotted compost or aged manure. It shouldn’t make up more than 50% of the soil. 3
Citations Used In This Article
- Almonds (websites.umich.edu)
- Almond Tree Hand Pollination: How To Hand Pollinate Almonds ( gardeningknowhow)
- Moving An Almond Tree – How To Transplant Almond Trees (gardeningknowhow)
