Position
Plant almond trees in full sun, where they will receive at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Allow at least 4 metres of space around each tree for future growth, good airflow, and sunlight penetration.
Almond trees perform best in warm, dry climates with hot summers and low humidity. They are not well suited to persistently humid conditions, which can increase the risk of fungal diseases.
Size
Almond trees generally grow to between 4 and 6 metres high, with a similar spread, depending on the variety, climate, rootstock, and pruning.
Trees may begin producing a small crop from around 2–3 years after planting, with yields increasing as the tree matures. Good production can generally be expected from around 5–7 years.
Soil Type
Almond trees are adaptable to a range of soil types, including moderately chalky or alkaline soils, but perform best in deep, fertile, well-drained soil. Good drainage is essential, as almond roots do not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
Superfrass (R25 per bag) is a natural, high-quality organic growth enhancer and pesticide, and Volcanic Rock Dust(R25 per bag), which contains more than 72 trace elements and minerals, can also be incorporated into the planting soil.
Watering
Almond tree roots do not like to be waterlogged. Water young trees regularly while they establish, giving them a good, deep soaking rather than frequent shallow watering.
During hot, dry spring and summer weather, young trees may require a deep watering every 4–5 days, depending on the soil type and weather conditions. Let the upper soil begin to dry between waterings. Established trees generally require less frequent watering.
Mulch
All plants and trees benefit from mulch. Good mulch helps to keep the roots moist and protected from harmful UV rays. Mulch also adds nutrients to feed the plant. Use pine bark mulch around the tree, particularly during hot, dry weather.
It is essential to keep the mulch approximately 5 cm away from the trunk. Mulch piled against the trunk retains moisture and may encourage rot, fungal disease, and pests.
It is essential to keep the mulch about 5 centimetres away from the stem. If it touches the plant, it may cause the branches to rot and get infected.
Fertilising
Apply 1 teaspoon of our slow-release, nitrogen-rich berry/all-plant fertiliser every 4-5 months.
Pruning
Prune almond trees during winter while they are dormant. Remove dead, damaged, diseased, or crossing branches.
Young trees benefit from being trained into an open-centre or vase shape, allowing sunlight and air to penetrate the canopy. Once established, prune each year lightly to maintain the tree’s shape and encourage healthy fruiting wood.
Pests and Diseases
Watch for borers, which can attack the woody trunk and branches of almond trees. Even young trees may be affected. Regularly inspect the trunk and branches for holes, sawdust-like material, or other signs of borer activity.
If aphids or mites are present, you can initially dislodge them with a strong hosing. Once the foliage has dried,
spray regularly with Agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM) Control).
Harvesting
Almond trees produce their blossoms in late winter to early spring, generally before or as the new leaves emerge. The flowers develop into green, velvety hulls containing the almond shell and kernel.
The nuts mature over several months and are ready to harvest when the outer green hull begins to dry and split open, exposing the almond shell inside.
In South Africa, harvesting generally takes place during February and March, although the exact timing depends on the variety and local climate.
Almond trees generally reach their highest production from around 7–9 years of age and, with good care, can remain productive for several decades.
